The News

Exciting things are happening in the Garden State. Tom Fitzgerald has gone to work and has found ways to upgrade the roster. Despite the Devils missing out on the Johnny Gaudreau sweepstakes, the Devils went on to add former Tampa Bay Lightning winger Ondrej Palat. It’s an exciting time for Devils hockey, and the excitement grows large for one player. 

Simon Nemec has signed his entry-level contract as the Second Overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. The deal is for three years and has an AAV of $950,000. This is great for the team and the player as he embarks on his professional hockey career.

The Player

Simon Nemec was the top-ranked defenseman in this year’s draft. The Devils took the Slovakian blue liner second overall as they aim to build the team’s back end. Nemec has good offensive abilities and helps transition the play forward. Simon Nemec spent last season with HK Nitra, the top professional league in Slovakia. In 39 games played for the club, he scored 26 points. He finished second among defensemen on the team with that point total and has had a good career with the club. During the 2021-22 playoffs, he managed five goals, 12 assists, and 17 points in 19 games. He led all defensemen in point totals and ranked third amongst all skaters who played in the postseason. 

Simon Nemec finishes his career with HK Nitra and is officially a New Jersey Devil. The team and the player have discussed where he will begin his career. The young blue liner will look to start the year in the AHL with the Utica Comets.

The Impact

This is great for the Devils and Simon Nemec.

Simon Nemec may start with the Comets, but he very well could get the call to be up with the big club. The young man can begin his hockey career and is hungry to play. The Devils are building from the back end like some of the great Devils teams once did. They currently have Dougie Hamilton, but adding Simon Nemec, and eventually, Luke Hughes and the Devils have something cooking on the back end. It’s an excellent time to be a Devil and should be fun as we advance.

Stanley Cup Aspirations – Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

The boys are back after a long break but have plenty to talk about as the playoffs are in full swing. We go series by series, looking at how teams have fared so far and who will come out on top. Thanks for listening! Please rate and review our show on your favorite listening platform. Check out our partner's website at www.insidetherink.com for all your latest hockey news.

1. Stanley Cup Aspirations 44:49
2. The Final Countdown 36:54
3. Here Come the Playoffs 32:42
4. Home Stretch 38:16
5. Kevy Cooks 45:22