NHL trade rumors: New Jersey Devils open to trading former no. 2 pick Simon Nemec in deadline surprise

With the deadline looming on Friday, rumors are swirling that the New Jersey Devils are considering trading 22-year-old defenseman Simon Nemec, a former top draft pick and key component of the team’s future on the blue line.

The rumors are a surprise and demonstrate the team’s commitment to making a serious push for the playoffs.The New Jersey Devils are taking calls on Simon Nemec and are willing to deal him if it means a significant improvement up front. The Devils are looking for a significant improvement up front and are willing to deal Simon Nemec to get it.

New Jersey Devils weigh bold forward upgrade as Simon Nemec’s RFA status expires

Simon Nemec, who was drafted with the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has continued to develop this year, mostly skating on the bottom pair with veteran Brenden Dillon.

Nemec has racked up 21 points (9G, 12A) in 47 games this year, with an average time on the ice of 19:42 per contest, which is good for a young defenseman who is still working on his defensive play.Nemec, who is 22 years old and a right-shot defenseman, is still one of the most intriguing assets that the Devils can move at the trade deadline due to his skill set and skating ability, as well as the fact that he was a top-end prospect coming in.

The thing with Nemec is that this is the final year of his entry-level deal, and that means that this coming summer, Nemec will be a restricted free agent. That means that the Devils will have to make a decision on whether to give him a big contract extension or move him to fill other needs on the team.For a Devils club looking to compete in what is a highly competitive Eastern Conference, this is a critical juncture for New Jersey as it approaches the trade deadline.

They seem to feel that acquiring a difference-maker at forward could take them from contender to legitimate contender.Of course, there is risk in moving a player who was selected with a No. 2 overall pick, especially one as defensive-minded as Nemec. There aren’t often defensemen with his ceiling available for trade.As the clock ticks closer and closer towards the trade deadline, all eyes will be on New Jersey. They could make a bold move if they feel they have an offer they can’t refuse.