The New Jersey Devils have a congestion problem on the blue line and it’s far from the business of top prospect Simon Nemec.
The 20-year-old Slovak, who was selected just after Juraj Slafkovsky in the 2022 draft, is taking his time in the American Hockey League (AHL) this season.
• Also read: William Nylander spoils Sheldon Keefe’s return to Toronto
• Also read: A scenario far from ideal for CH
This is a hard blow for the young defender who started the campaign with the big club and who played 60 games in the National League last season. He expressed his frustration in a recent interview with Slovak media.
“It’s too early to ask for a trade. If the situation persists, we will have to act, but for now, it will remain like this,” he told journalist Tomas Prokop of Dennik Sport.
“That’s the reality of the industry, but on the other hand, I don’t remember a second overall pick who had to spend a third year in the minor leagues,” Nemec added.
-The right-handed guard spent the entire 2022-2023 campaign with the Utica Comets before earning his job in New Jersey the following year. He still shows good statistics this season with 16 points in 23 games and a differential of +3.
“I sometimes have the impression that the NHL games were easier than the AHL games,” he admitted. The developmental league is really tough with the struggles and competition. I believe I have proven time and time again that I belong in the NHL. I just have to wait for another chance and take advantage of it when it comes.”
Is it Kovacevic’s fault?
It’s not wrong to think that the emergence of Johnathan Kovacevic, who has become one of the most effective defensive defenders in the League, weighs in the balance.
According to several sources, the Devils intend to negotiate with him for a contract extension. This could delay the permanent arrivals of Nemec or Seamus Casey to the NHL, but the organization could decide that it is the best long-term solution.
Still very young, Nemec could choose to follow in the footsteps of David Jiricek, another top prospect who requested a trade this season. The Czech, sixth player called up for the 2022 auction, went from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Minnesota Wild in November.
