The performance by Simon Nemec on Wednesday night was incredible, there’s no other way to put it. The New Jersey Devils played a late-night game against the Chicago Blackhawks, where the stars didn’t show up. He did, with a hat trick, and carried the Devils to a 4-3 overtime victory.

This is a pivotal season for Nemec, the young defenseman due for a breakout. It’s his final season on his entry-level contract, and he’s looking to prove he belongs. Nemes is proving he can not only be a regular but a key part of the Devils as well. 

It took a few seasons for Nemec to find a spot in the NHL. As a defenseman, it took him time to learn the position, especially as he transitioned from the European to the North American game. Matthew Schaefer’s great start spoiled us and changed expectations. The reality is that defensemen usually struggle out of the gate. Nemec looked out of place and there was talk about him getting traded last season. 

This season is becoming a great one for Nemec. His 1.1 defensive point shares lead the defensemen on the Devils and he’s a force in his end. Then there’s the spark on offense, which he can provide when needed. With four goals and eight assists, he’s capable of opening up the offense, even if those numbers seem inflated after a three-goal night. 

It’s why the Devils are giving him a big role on their blue line. Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes are the anchors of the defense as the elite players to build around. However, Nemec is trending in that direction as well and it’s a big deal for the Devils. 

Devils Have Steady Blue Line Now

For a while, the Devils have struggled on the defensive end. The injuries never helped, especially when Hamilton would miss time. That said, the Devils either always lacked skill or the physicality to shut teams down in the regular season and the playoffs. 

With Nemec on a middle pair, the Devils have both now. Better yet, the Devils are more equipped to handle the injuries. If Hamilton or Hughes go down, he can step up and fill the void. His play will also go a long way for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. They’ll face a great team in the Eastern Conference and must be prepared as such. 

The Devils entered the season with a few question marks. The depth was one and the defense was unknown. They are playing like a team without any issues and it’s made them a great team in the NHL, one of the best for that matter. Nemec is a key part of that. 

Nemec Finds Himself in Pantheon of 2022 Draft Class

Looking back at the 2022 draft class, it’s easy to see it as an odd one. Everyone assumed Shane Wright would go one, at least leading up to the draft. He went fourth. Instead, Juraj Slafkovsky went first to the Montreal Canadiens, Nemec went two, and Logan Cooley went third to the then Arizona Coyotes now Utah Mammoth. 

Looking back at the top four, it’s safe to assume the Canadiens made the right pick. The question was whether the Devils regretted taking Nemec, who filled a need on their blue line but wasn’t a star like Cooley. Imagine a forward unit with Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Cooley centering the top three lines, now that’s something else. 

This season, Nemec is showing everyone that he’s right up there with the other top picks. He’s putting together a great season and showed the Devils that they made the right choice by selecting him. It’s also helped the Devils, who are one of the best teams in the NHL who don’t have a glaring weakness this season. 

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