Simon Nemec Trade Rumors Rule The Day For The Devils
Does he or doesn't he want out? The Simon Nemec trade buzz has picked up again big-time on Thursday, with two conflicting reports leaving New Jersey Devils fans confused.
A report out of Nemec's home country of Slovakia indicated that the pending RFA defenseman wanted out of New Jersey.
A trade for Šimon Nemec in the NHL is more real than ever, even considering that such speculation has been circulating around him for a long time.
The translation of the article goes on to say that an "exchange" (i.e. trade) has been requested.
As noted in the report, trade rumors have been following the former No. 2 overall pick for the past year. He is, after all, the Devils' best trade piece. He was often mentioned earlier this season as part of a package that would be offered in any potential deal for Quinn Hughes (before he was traded to Minnesota), or to obtain the top-six scorer that the Devils have sought.
The article went on to say that new GM Sunny Mehta hadn't even spoken to Nemec since taking over a month back. That, however, has changed, even as the day has progressed.
Latest Simon Nemec trade rumor report 'has holes'
James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now says the Slovakian report "has holes." And he went on to say that "Mehta has, in fact, been in contact with the player and the agent. Therefore, that part of the report is unfounded."
Neither Nemec's agent nor the Devils have responded to the latest rumors, so the best we can say is... Stay tuned. For what it's worth, the young d-man did tell the media during his exit interviews, "I’d love to sign here.”
Nemec, 22, was the second overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, but he hasn't yet had the full impact that a draft pick with such a pedigree would be expected to bring after three seasons. He did set personal bests with 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games. Nichols says he showed growth on offense and in transition. But his defense is still not up to snuff, as he posted a plus/minus of -11. He did block 104 shots.
AFP Analytics projects a whopping $8 million AAV for Nemec if he were to sign a long-term extension of seven years. On a short-term bridge deal of two years, it's pegged at a $4.47M AAV.
This is obviously a huge summer for Nemec's future, and will be one of the biggest items on Mehta's plate in his first months on the job.
Photo: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images
