Simon Nemec

Simon Nemec, D – New Jersey Devils

---

Performance

Nemec closed out the 2025-26 regular season in a significant slump, going pointless across his final five games while posting a combined minus-8 rating — a rough stretch that dragged down what was already a modest offensive season. His ice time remained substantial (ranging from 16 to 24 minutes per game), suggesting the coaching staff hasn't lost faith in his role, but the results simply weren't there. He finished the NHL season with 26 points in 68 games, a total that falls short of what's expected from a 2022 second-overall pick at this stage of his development.

---

What People Are Saying

The conversation around Nemec is genuinely split. On the positive side, **MSN** highlighted a strong Olympic debut with Slovakia, framing it as evidence he belongs among elite competition — and **Športweb** noted that his Slovak generation defied expectations as a supposedly weak draft class. However, the developmental questions haven't gone away. **Sportsnaut** flagged Nemec as a trade candidate as New Jersey evaluates roster construction around a potential Hischier extension, and **The Hockey News** echoed that organizational change could affect how the Devils handle their young blue-liners. **The Hockey Writers** issued a season report card, though the substance suggests more questions than answers after his third NHL season.

---

Outlook

Nemec still projects as a top-four defenseman with legitimate offensive upside, but his NHL production hasn't yet matched his draft pedigree, and trade speculation adds real uncertainty to his Devils future. For fantasy players and scouts alike, his next contract situation and New Jersey's offseason roster decisions will be defining.

**Watch for:** Whether Nemec is included in any Devils trade discussions once the offseason roster moves begin in earnest over the next two weeks.