Devils Face Simon Nemec’s Big Decision This Offseason – Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

In many ways, New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec has made great strides this season reaching his ceiling as the #2 overall pick. His 26 points in 68 games was the best mark of his career – and at only 21 years old, he showed a step up in his defensive game and overall maturity.

Now, he will be a restricted free agent (RFA) in Jul. 1. The Devils are faced with three logical decisions: give him a long-term extension, trade him for a package for a player who can make an immediate NHL impact, or pay for a bridge deal. Let’s examine each option and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Route #1: Long Term Extension

Other rumors have circulated that Nemec and his camp are seeking an extension similar to the eight-year, $70.8 million ($8.85M AAV) contract Lane Hutson signed in October. If that’s the price, the Devils might be better suited for a trade option. Hutson is more complete than Nemec.

But if it doesn’t fit into that (even if there is and Nemec’s camp eventually goes down), Nemec could be an important part of the team’s future success. The average defender reaches his peak performance between the ages of 27 and 29; there is still plenty of time to grow. But he already provides something the Devils don’t get much of behind them…scoring.

Nemec produced an expected 7.29 goals against but scored 11 — +3.71 more than expected, making him the second best finisher on the Devils, and the best behind. Only Cody Glass (+5.54 above expectations) was higher. (via Natural Stat Trick)

While Dougie Hamilton is widely regarded as the team’s best shooting guard, Nemec has scored just one goal despite playing nine fewer games and a measly 45 scoring chances. Adjusting for time on the ice, Nemec’s goal production (per 60 minutes) was over 12% better than any other Devils defenseman.

However, despite some improvements, Nemec’s defensive play has been inconsistent – more often than not, poor showings. Given how much general manager (GM) Sunny Mehta (and his team) are likely to value the numbers, they may come to the conclusion that the risks outweigh the benefits, which is one of the reasons why this next route could end up being the most likely…

Route #2: Trade for an NHL Impact piece

Given the Devils’ lack of scoring, and the fact that Nemec is one of the best finishers, the Devils should only trade Nemec for a player – preferably in the top six – who will make an immediate impact and help them reach ‘contender’ status.

It’s very likely that even if the Devil’s brass is stronger for Nemec development than most, a trade is still on the cards. As of now, they have seven everyday defensemen under contract for six spots: Jonas Siegenthaler, Brenden Dillon, Dougie Hamilton, Johnathan Kovacevic, Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce, all in addition to Nemec. It would be absurd for all seven to be drafted by Opening Night, given how strong their status is and their need to bolster the team moving forward.

Even if it takes moving their first-round pick and/or additional prospects as part of a larger package, adding another elite forward should come before Nemec. he can bring it when he reaches his roof.

In addition, before the deadline, Nemec changed his agent, from Creative Artists Agency’s (CAA) JP Barry to Craig Oster of Newport. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said in March, “[That’s] always a bad sign for the incumbent. That is one of the reasons why he came out [on the trade market].” Usually, when a player changes agents, it’s because they want to change locations.

Route #3: Short Term Bridge Deal

Just like Jesper Bratt and Dawson Mercer signed when they became RFAs, the Devils will have the opportunity to do the same with Nemec. In 2021, Bratt signed a two-year, $5.5 million ($2.75M AAV) deal. In 2024, Mercer signed a three-year, $12 million ($4M AAV) deal.

Nemec getting a lower AAV would allow the Devils some short-term financial flexibility while opening up the possibility for him to sign a bigger extension if he can perform well. That’s huge if although he still carries many question marks on both sides.

SIMON NEMEC HATTY FOR THE OT WINNER 🎩

FULL CASE PASS FROM MARKSTROM 🤯 pic.twitter.com/LGj5iQXw9U

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 13, 2025

On the sole basis of being the #2 overall pick, and some catch-up moments, Nemec’s value may be overstated for now. The potential to be an elite defender is there, but if he can’t fully live up to it, that value will diminish.

All in all, this feels like probably almost an option given to the overall vibration of Nemec’s rule; it looks like he’s going to come in even if he’s not there at all. There has been a lot of hoopla surrounding the launch and general excitement since 2024. There’s an emotional element to all of this that Nemec would probably (and understandably) want to eliminate once and for all. The Devil would probably feel the same way.

You Can’t Break It Down

While a recent report from Elliotte Friedman explains that the salary will increase by $8.5 million next season, the Devils will not have a ton of flexibility if they want to improve the system. With Nemec currently making less than a million dollars per season, a long-term contract extension would absorb nearly all of the increase itself.

The average age of the Devils’ other six defensemen – excluding Nemec – will be 29.66 on Opening Night. If you take out the young Luke Hughes, the other five defensemen averaged 31.2 years old. This decision with Nemec will play a major role in determining the direction of the entire defense structure. And it’s very possible that regardless, some defenders may leave.

Mehta made it clear in his first paper that there will be some risk in the decisions he makes, but that is part of the lesson for all competing GMs. You don’t get to the promised land without taking risks. It should be very interesting to see how he deals with this situation during the offseason.