New Jersey Devils Sign 2nd Overall Pick Simon Nemec to Entry-Level Contract

After a crazy week in the NHL--between the draft & free agency--Thursday was a bit quieter as dust settled from the 160-ish signings in a ~30 hour window. In the calm post-frenzy afternoon, the New Jersey Devils announced they have signed #2 Overall Pick, Simon Nemec, to an entry-level deal:

The Devils, by many accounts, took a serious gamble on Nemec. The 4th-ranked prospect before the draft, they selected Nemec 2nd with Shane Wright & Logan Cooley both ranked over him yet selected after. Nemec scored 26 points in 39 games for Nitra of the Slovakian League as a defenseman, where he's played since 2019. He also scored 17 points in 19 playoff games, which is remarkable to say the least. What makes the pick risky for the Devils, is that scouts are split on him.

On one hand, some believe he has too many holes in his game; defensive lapses, positioning & a readiness to gamble have left his team exposed with him on the ice. The 18-year old Slovak could use development in the skating department as well. Over three seasons with Nitra, Nemec sports a +5 rating & 48 points in 88 games (.54 points/game), including five points in seven World Junior Championship games. The Hockey Prospecting Model by Byron Bader has never produced a defensive prospect like Nemec:

With a blue-line soon to feature Dougie Hamilton, Jonas Siegenthaler*, Luke Hughes, & Simon Nemec the Devils could have one of the best young D cores in the NHL after a couple of seasons. Not to mention guys like Ty Smith, who had a disappointing 2021-22 season but still has upside, Kevin Bahl, Damon Severson, & Reilly Walsh, who scored 43 points for the AHL Utica Comets last season.

Put some respect on Jonas Siegenthaler before saying I'm crazy for including him in the Devils D core of the future*

The New Jersey Devils & their fans are desperate to take a step forward in 2022-23, and with the acquisitions of Erik Haula, Ondrej Palat, Assistant Coach Andrew Brunette, they certainly look better. But until they prove that they can win hockey games consistently Devils fans will stay skeptical.

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