Devils Prospect to be Recalled Amid Star Defenseman on Injured Reserve

It’s time. New Jersey Devils prospect defenseman, Simon Nemec, is to be recalled to the NHL, a report says.

According to the NHL media site, star defenseman Dougie Hamilton has been placed on the injured reserve. A further glance shows Nemec listed on the NHL roster.

According to Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.com, a source confirmed Nemec’s recall to the Devils. That transaction should be announced later in the day on Friday.

Down in the AHL with the Utica Comets, Nemec has eight points (two goals and six assists) in 13 games this season. In the preseason, Nemec made a strong impression with four points in four games. That tied him for sixth among Devils skaters in the preseason. Nemec made it all the way through the final round of cuts before the beginning of the regular season. He was ultimately loaned to Utica as head coach Lindy Ruff expressed reservations about having two rookie defensemen on the blue line. Instead, the Devils opted for Brendan Smith and Colin Miller.

Nemec was adamant in the preseason that he felt his game was ready for the NHL. Last season, he made the AHL Top Prospect Team as one of six players selected. In 2022-23, Nemec recorded 34 points and a plus-13 rating in 65 games while also setting an AHL record for goals by a teenage defenseman (12). Additionally, the Slovakian defenseman added four points in six Calder Cup Playoff games for the Comets.

The Devils had one player make his NHL debut last night in their victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. On Friday, we just may get our second in as many nights if Nemec is first on the ice for a solo rookie lap.

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