New Jersey Devils likely to trade second overall pick this summer after failed deadline move
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Per a new report from Devils analyst James Nichols, New Jersey is reportedly open to trading former second overall pick Simon Nemec this summer.
The New Jersey Devils continue to sink in the standings, and they're likely going to miss the playoffs for the first time in the Sheldon Keefe era as head coach.
And even though they did not move him at the trade deadline last week, it's looking more and more like the Devils are going to be moving on from forward Simon Nemec, who was taken with the second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Per a new report from Devils analyst James Nichols, the Devils are reportedly open to trading Nemec this summer.
James Nichols: Multiple reports, including New Jersey Hockey Now's own, indicate that the Devils are open to moving Simon Nemec in a deal that will significantly upgrade the Devils' top-six - NJ Hockey Now (3/6)
Per a report last week from NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun, the Devils were listening to trade offers for Nemec but weren't going to move him unless they got a top six young forward with a big impact.
Devils continue to listen on Simon Nemec, who needs a new contract this off-season. New Jersey would only move him in the right package for a top 6 young forward that impacts the group. - Pierre LeBrun
So far this year, Nemec has 21 points (9G, 12A) in 50 games.
Simon Nemec Is A Former Second Overall Pick Of The Devils
Nemec was taken by the Devils with the second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft after playing for HK Nitra in Slovakia.
He would his professional career with the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League before making his debut in the NHL with the Devils in 2023-24. He's in the last year of his deal with an AAV (average annual value) of $918,333.
In 137 career NHL games, all in a Devils sweater, Nemec has 44 points (14G, 30A).
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| POLL | ||
MARS 9|133 ANSWERS New Jersey Devils likely to trade second overall pick this summer after failed deadline move Is it time to end the Simon Nemec experiment in New Jersey? | ||
| Yes | 109 | 82 % |
| No | 24 | 18 % |
| List of polls | ||