The New Jersey Devils, after an underwhelming season ruling them out of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, are actively exploring major roster changes ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. Central to these discussions is defenseman Simon Nemec, whose potential trade could bring a coveted star forward to the Devils’ lineup.
Reasons Behind Considering Simon Nemec in a Trade
The Devils’ front office, led by Fitzgerald, is motivated to trade Simon Nemec for several strategic reasons. Primarily, the team needs offensive firepower to complement Jack Hughes, their leading young scorer. New Jersey is constrained by salary cap limitations, which has made moving veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton a difficult proposition because of his $9 million cap hit, upcoming signing bonus, and trade protections.
Nemec, as a promising right-shot defenseman and the second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, offers a valuable asset that the Devils can leverage. Given New Jersey’s depth on the right side of the defense with players like Hamilton, Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic, along with Seamus Casey in the AHL, Nemec represents the most attractive piece to help acquire scoring talent upfront. Additionally, with Nemec possibly becoming an offer sheet target this summer, trading him now from a position of strength could help the Devils avoid losing him unexpectedly and instead secure a useful upgrade elsewhere.
Evaluating Simon Nemec’s Trade Value and Status
Simon Nemec’s perceived value has shifted over the past seasons. While initially projected as a future No. 1 defenseman, teams now generally view him more as a strong No. 2 option. Despite some inconsistency, Nemec’s improvement in the 2025-26 season and a standout performance representing Slovakia in the Olympics have restored much of his appeal. This resurgence places him in a position to be exchanged for a noteworthy forward if the right opportunity arises.
What Could a Trade Involving Nemec Look Like?
Any trade involving Nemec will almost certainly target a significant offensive player. Fitzgerald, having previously considered Nemec a key part of a potential trade for Vancouver Canucks’ Quinn Hughes, will likely seek comparable value in return. Since Nemec is ranked as a No. 2 defenseman, he would probably be included in a package deal rather than traded in isolation.
The St. Louis Blues emerge as a plausible partner, with Jordan Kyrou reportedly available for the right price. Kyrou, a dynamic young scorer, fits the Devils’ need for goal production on a line with Jack Hughes. Another potential pairing could involve Owen Tippett of the Philadelphia Flyers, especially as Philadelphia is looking to move defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Nemec could theoretically replace Ristolainen as a right-shot defenseman, providing mutual benefits.
Should the trade deadline pass without a deal, there may still be intriguing summer possibilities, such as a deal involving Ottawa Senators star Brady Tkachuk, though this remains speculative.
Alternative Trade Targets and Unexpected Scenarios
If acquiring a Kyrou-level forward proves unrealistic, the Devils might consider less conventional options. Nemec’s growth into a reliable NHL player positions him as valuable trade capital for prospects or younger forwards with upside. Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets is one such name; despite recent struggles, he showed promising goal-scoring ability last season and shares University of Michigan ties with Luke Hughes and Seamus Casey, making him a familiar teammate for parts of the New Jersey roster.
Another speculative but interesting scenario includes a swap with the Los Angeles Kings. Both Nemec and Kings forward Quinton Byfield were second overall picks, and a trade could align with each team’s goals: New Jersey improving offensive depth, and Los Angeles strengthening their right-side defense options over veterans like Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin.
With only days left until the trade deadline, a flurry of deals involving Nemec could drastically reshape the Devils’ roster and their outlook for the future.
The next few days promise significant movement as the Devils weigh their options to add a star forward by taking advantage of Simon Nemec’s value and fit within a trade package.
