Devils' Simon Nemec Poised for Breakout Season in 2024-25 – Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

After a bad end to the 2023-24 season, the New Jersey Devils certainly don't want to repeat it. However, through all the pitfalls and misfortunes, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Simon Nemec has shown promising defensive improvement in his five months in New Jersey. The 20-year-old was signed back from the Utica Comets last December and has shown his raw talent since his NHL debut.

After injuries to key players such as Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton, Nemec used his increased ice time to improve his skills and abilities. Along with fellow rookie defenseman Luke Hughes, he stood out as a rising star capable of making a positive contribution to the team. While it's unclear where he fits between newly acquired defensemen Brett Pesce and Johnathan Kovacevic, I wouldn't be surprised if Nemec makes the opening night lineup. In fact, I think there should be an offseason in 2024-25.

Nemec on the International Stage

Nemec rose to prominence in Slovakian youth hockey and began his career in 2019 in the Tipos Extraliga. After reaching the top league in his country, he joined HK Nitra and made his debut at the age of 16. In the 2019-20 season, he played only 12 games and recorded three assists. The following season, he increased his scoring production, scoring two goals and 17 assists. He was later named a special prospect for his two-way defensive skills, exceptional skating ability, and scoring abilities.

Nemec is also no stranger to international competition. He has represented Slovakia numerous times, including the IIHF World Junior Championship, Ice Hockey World Championships, and the Winter Olympics. In 2021, he won a silver medal in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, serving as the captain of Team Slovakia and winning the MVP title of the tournament. Nemec also won bronze for Team Slovakia at the 2022 Winter Olympics, the country's first-ever ice hockey medal. This year, he represented Slovakia at the Mens Worlds and broke the IIHF record for most appearances by a player under the age of 20. He will also take part in the 2026 Winter Olympic qualifiers this week.

Nemec in New Jersey

The Devils selected Nemec second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, making him the highest-drafted Slovakian defenseman in history. He signed a three-year entry-level contract soon after but spent the 2022-23 season in Utica. In his first season in North America, he recorded 34 points in 65 games and finished with a plus-13 rating. Nemec has improved many different aspects of his game, including receiving passes, playmaking, and maintaining offensive timing.

Related: Jacob Markstrom Will Solve The Devil's Test Problems

His development in the AHL made him a worthy contender for a call-up. The Devils quickly offered him a roster spot after Hamilton suffered a season-ending injury. Nemec made his NHL debut on December 1, 2023, and started strong with two assists in his first game. Less than a week later, he scored his first NHL goal in a 2-1 win against the Seattle Kraken. Last season he played 60 games with the Devils, finishing with 19 points. His awareness on the ice allows him to break the puck out in difficult situations, a skill that was especially useful when the Devils struggled with inconsistent scoring. Nemec's impressive rookie season proves that he will be a solid presence on the blueline for years to come.

Will Nemec Have a Breakout Season 2024-25?

Nemec showed impressive power last season, blocking 105 shots and taking 73 shots on goal. With his impressive puck handling, he is able to eliminate threats in the defensive zone. He also handled the power play and penalty kill with a remarkable level of maturity. He averaged an ice time of 19:52, which allowed him to improve consistency. Overall, Nemec rose to the challenge during his rookie year and deserves a spot on the Devils' roster this season.

Nemec made quite an impression in his first year in the NHL, accepting a tough role after several injuries to veteran defensemen. He has already become a key part of the Devils' young defense and will remain a core piece as the team strives to become Stanley Cup contenders. In the next few years, he could easily develop into a leading defensive role.