Devils Fill Simon Nemec Roster Spot, Long-Term Replacement?

LONG ISLAND — The New Jersey Devils have filled sophomore defenseman, Simon Nemec’s roster spot. As of Friday, the team recalled defenseman Nick DeSimone to the varsity squad after he was waived at the beginning of the season for a few standout youngsters. DeSimone’s recall certainly indicates Nemec’s reassignment could be a long-term, perhaps even permanent if health persists the way the Devils hope.

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By now we know head coach Sheldon Keefe‘s feelings on Nemec. He’s a promising player who still has some red meat on him that can certainly be cooked down at the American Hockey League level. Thus, the former second overall selection in 2022 is now playing with the Utica Comets.

Nemec skated in his first game with the Comets on Friday in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Cleveland Monsters. The 20-year-old defenseman registered two shots and was a minus-1 playing alongside Topias Vilen.

Devils fans might have to get used to the idea of Nemec playing in Utica.

Upon his reassignment, Keefe explained he’s pleased with his current group of defenders and doesn’t plan on breaking up that chemistry.

“Obviously we’ve got six defensemen we like right now, that are playing every day, and they’ve remained healthy,” Keefe explained after Nemec was sent to the AHL.

That opened the door for DeSimone to return to the Devils after spending January and on with New Jersey, and making a decent impression through 11 games.

You see, the thing about DeSimone’s return is that he’s not waiver eligible and is on a one-way ticket. Therefore, he’d need to clear waivers again, and even if he does, his salary remains the same.

That’s not to suggest the Devils are putting their dollars under a microscope. However, what it is proposing is that DeSimone earned the first one-way contract of his career this summer. It makes a lot more sense to keep the almost 30-year-old around as the seventh defenseman as opposed to bringing Nemec back up to sit in the press box.

It seems plausible to get used to the idea of DeSimone sticking around.

Nemec could return, too. Perhaps he finds his groove in the AHL and makes a strong impression, an injury occurs to open up a roster spot, and he makes his way back.

After all, Nemec is waiver exempt and can pass freely through the AHL and NHL.

Yet, the Devils ultimately want Nemec playing nightly. As a result, we could go through the majority of 2024-25 with Nemec playing for the Comets barring injury. Or, Nemec plays so lights out that he gives management no choice but to recall him.

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