Devils Head Coach Concedes Simon Nemec Issue

NEWARK — So far, this seasons come up all New Hersey Devils. The Devils are off to a 5-2-0 start and have looked better and better as the season progressed. Simon Nemec, however, appeared a step behind the rest since things got underway in Prague. Even the Devils’ head coach conceded Nemec’s inconsistencies.

READ: Devils Simon Nemec Struggles Raising Concern?

Nemec has been deployed in a third pair role alongside Seamus Casey. The latter has burst onto the scene, impressing as a rookie with his hockey IQ, poise, ability to play above his size, and scoring ability.

When Nemec arrived to the NHL last season, he showed much of the same ability Casey did, with perhaps a bit more competitiveness and urgency in his game. Those qualities are exactly what head coach Sheldon Keefe explained he was t seeing from Nemec.

“In the early going, [Nemec] left a lot to be desired, quite honestly,” Keefe conceded. “A lot of that comes through the urgency and competitiveness, stuff like that. I talked to him about it, and I kept talking to him about it. I stayed on him.”

That certainly reflects in Nemec’s analytics. Thus far, the 20-year-old defenseman has registered a poor 38.31 CF%, 32.29 xGF%, and negative 36-53 scoring chance differential at 5-on-5.

Granted, Casey’s analytics at 5-on-5 don’t look much better. However, he’s been given the opportunity to prove himself on the special teams, and has certainly impressed Keefe and the Devils.

Casey has also chipped in on the scoresheet at even strength, registering a goal and an assist. Nemec has yet to register a point through seven games, and it certainly has to do with his compete level.

MORE: Seamus Casey Impresses Devils Superstar & Coach in Roster Spot Bid

In both the neutral and defensive zones, Nemec has been a bit passive. He’s been seen pinching too high and putting himself out of position, lazily swiping his stick at puck carries, losing foot races and puck battles which have resulted in goals for the opponent.

However, it’s in Keefe’s nature to be aggressive, even if it’s with his own players. That’s the type of approach the Devils head coach used with the sophomore defenseman, and he’s pleased with his response.

“In the last few games here, I’ve seen a great increase in that area. That’s competitiveness, effort level, urgency in situation. All things that the NHL demands,” Keefe explained. “To me, he’s increased his level of competitiveness over the last few games and it has made a dramatic difference in his ability to defend with consistency.”

Nemec hasn’t appeared as negatively impactful as his first few games. That’s good news as the returns of both Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce loom. Although Casey has been pegged the first player to be removed from the lineup once one of the two sidelined defensemen return, there’s certainly a valid argument to keep the rookie in, rather than the second overall pick in 2022.

Each of Hughes and Pesce took a step in the right direction at Saturday’s morning skate. A decision on Nemec could be coming down the line sooner than later.

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