The New Jersey Devils have one of the most talented rosters in the NHL. However, their No. 2 overall pick from the 2022 draft, Simon Nemec, is still playing hockey in the AHL. Now, he seems fed up with the situation and has called out his team and management.
With players such as Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier, the Devils boast one of the most exciting young rosters in the league. They currently rank seventh in the standings, and it will be thrilling to watch them in the playoffs this year—assuming they avoid a complete collapse in the spring.
The Devils have had several successful draft picks in recent years, but one early pick who hasn’t met expectations is Simon Nemec. Selected second overall in the 2022 draft, he played 60 NHL games last season. However, during the 2024-25 season, he has appeared in only nine games, and now it seems his patience is wearing thin.
Simon Nemec calls out the Devils
In an interview with Slovakian DennikSport, Nemec openly criticized the Devils for continuing to assign him to the AHL.
“It’s business, but… right now, I can’t remember any No. 2 draft pick that went to the farm for a third year,” he said.
When asked directly if he might request a trade from the Devils, Nemec didn’t hold back, hinting at a possible ultimatum.
“It’s hard to say. It’s still too early to request a trade,” Nemec said. “But if this situation continues, it will have to be addressed. For now, this is how it stands. I believe I’ve proven multiple times that I belong in the NHL.”
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