NHL Rumors: Penguins & Devils Linked To Trade
Nemec, 22, is a pending restricted free agent after posting 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games this season.
He is a right-shot, an excellent skater, and was the second overall pick in the 2022 draft.
Why Pittsburgh Makes Sense
The Penguins have a right-side defensive need following Connor Clifton's departure in free agency, and Josh Yohe of The Athletic noted this week that adding a right-handed defenseman is one of Kyle Dubas' offseason priorities.
Nemec fits that profile.
He brings the skating ability and puck-moving ability that Dubas values, comes at a lower cost than a UFA equivalent given his RFA status, and gives Pittsburgh a long-term building block on the right side alongside Erik Karlsson for however long Karlsson remains in black and gold.
Chris Johnston: Re Simon Nemec/Devils: He's gonna be looking for a long term deal similar to the one that Luke Hughes his teammate got, that was $9 million per year - Chris Johnston Show (5/28)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) May 28, 2026
The Devils' motivation for moving him is equally understandable.
New Jersey has a logjam on defense with Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, John Marino, Johnathan Kovacevic, and Jonas Siegenthaler all under contract, and new GM Sunny Mehta has described his priority as adding forward talent as quickly as possible.
Nemec as part of a package that returns a scoring forward addresses New Jersey's need more directly than keeping him in a defensive corps where he has struggled to find a consistent top-four role.
This past season, the 22-year-old recorded 11 goals, and 26 total points, a -11 plus/minus rating, 104 blocked shots, and 23 hits across 68 games played.
The Competition
Pittsburgh is far from alone in the Nemec market.
The Islanders made a serious push for him last summer before that conversation faded.
The Bruins have been publicly linked through multiple outlets.
32 Thoughts (May 22): Elliotte says it sounds like Simon Nemec hasn't asked to be traded. Both sides talked recently & everyone was blindsided by the trade request talk. Nemec would like to try get off on the right foot with new management. Says we have to let this breathe and… pic.twitter.com/0HyLIUmM5A
— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) May 22, 2026
The Maple Leafs are reportedly shopping for mobile defensemen.
The Devils trade discussions with the Stars have also surfaced, with Nemec's name appearing in that conversation as a possible piece heading to Dallas in a Jason Robertson deal.
Whether Dubas moves quickly enough and with a compelling enough package to beat those competing offers is the question that will be answered this offseason.
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