After a devastating finish to the 2023-24 season, the New Jersey Devils actually don’t wish to repeat it. Nevertheless, out of all of the pitfalls and misfortunes, there was a lightweight on the finish of the tunnel. Simon Nemec confirmed promising defensive growth within the 5 months he spent in New Jersey. The 20-year-old was recalled from the Utica Comets final December and has proven his uncooked expertise since making his NHL debut.
After accidents to key gamers like Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton, Nemec used his elevated ice time to hone his expertise and potential. Alongside fellow rookie defenseman Luke Hughes, he shined as a budding star in a position to make optimistic contributions to the workforce. Whereas it stays unclear the place he matches amongst not too long ago acquired defensemen Brett Pesce and Johnathan Kovacevic, I wouldn’t be stunned if Nemec makes the roster on opening evening. In actual fact, I believe he’s due for a breakout season in 2024-25.
Nemec On an Worldwide Stage
Nemec rose to prominence in Slovakian youth hockey and commenced his profession in 2019 within the Tipos Extraliga. After reaching the highest-level league in his native nation, he joined the HK Nitra and made his debut at 16 years previous. Throughout the 2019-20 season, he performed solely 12 video games and recorded three assists. The next season, he elevated his level manufacturing, scoring two objectives and 17 assists. He was later named an elite prospect for his two-way defensive expertise, distinctive skating means, and scoring capabilities.
Nemec can also be no stranger to competing on the worldwide stage. He has represented Slovakia typically, together with on the IIHF World Junior Championship, Ice Hockey World Championships, and the Winter Olympics. In 2021, he received a silver medal within the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, serving because the captain of Group Slovakia and incomes the title of match MVP. Nemec additionally received bronze for Group Slovakia within the 2022 Winter Olympics, which was the nation’s first-ever medal in ice hockey. This 12 months, he represented Slovakia in Mens Worlds and broke the document for many IIHF video games by a participant underneath 20 years previous. He’s additionally set to take part within the 2026 Winter Olympic qualifiers this week.
Nemec in New Jersey
The Devils chosen Nemec second total within the 2022 NHL Draft, making him the highest-drafted Slovakian defenseman in historical past. He signed a three-year entry-level contract instantly after however spent the 2022-23 season in Utica. In his first season enjoying in North America, he recorded 34 factors throughout 65 video games and completed with a plus-13 score. Nemec improved many alternative features of his sport, together with go reception, inventive playmaking, and sustaining offensive zone time.
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His growth within the AHL made him the right contender to be referred to as up. The Devils rapidly handed him a roster spot after Hamilton suffered a season-ending harm. Nemec made his NHL debut on Dec. 1, 2023, and began sturdy with two assists in his first sport. Lower than per week later, he scored his first NHL purpose in a 2-1 win in opposition to the Seattle Kraken. Final season, he performed 60 video games with the Devils, ending with 19 factors. His consciousness on the ice permits him to interrupt the puck out in tough conditions, a talent that was significantly helpful when the Devils struggled with inconsistent goaltending. Nemec’s spectacular rookie season proves that he can be a robust blueline presence for years to come back.
Will Nemec Have a Breakout 2024-25 Season?
Nemec confirmed unbelievable potential final season, managing to dam 105 pictures and take 73 pictures on purpose. Along with his spectacular puck dealing with, he’s able to eliminating threats within the defensive zone. He additionally manned the facility play and penalty kill with a powerful degree of maturity. He averaged 19:52 ice time, which allowed him to develop consistency. All in all, Nemec rose to the problem throughout his rookie 12 months and deserves a spot on the Devils roster this season.
Nemec actually made an impression throughout his first 12 months within the NHL, embracing a troublesome function within the wake of quite a few accidents to veteran defensemen. He has already change into an important a part of the Devils’ younger defensive core and can stay a foundational piece whereas the workforce strives to be Stanley Cup contenders. Within the subsequent few years, he might simply develop right into a top-pairing defensive function.
