In the world of NHL hockey, injuries can be a devastating blow to any team, and unfortunately for the New Jersey Devils, they find themselves grappling with a significant number of injuries as they progress through the 2025-26 season. Just when fans thought things might stabilize, an update from team reporter Amanda Stein has revealed that defenseman Simon Nemec will be sidelined until at least the holiday break due to a lower-body injury sustained during practice last Friday. This unfortunate news means he has already missed two consecutive games for the Devils.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe noted that in about two weeks, the team will have a clearer picture of Nemec's recovery process and what the next steps will entail. This injury is particularly disheartening for Nemec, who was enjoying a breakout season after being selected second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. Known for his exceptional skills and potential, Nemec had shown promise in the AHL but took longer than some of his fellow draftees to adapt to the pace and competition of the NHL.
While other top-five picks from 2022—including Montreal’s Juraj Slafkovsky, Utah’s Logan Cooley, Seattle’s Shane Wright, and Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier—have successfully made their mark in the NHL, establishing themselves as impactful players, Nemec found himself struggling to maintain a consistent role after an initial promising rookie year. In fact, he played in 60 NHL games during the 2023-24 season but saw that number drop to just 27 in 2024-25, leading to an increased workload in the AHL, where he played 34 games instead of just 13.
During the time Nemec spent developing in the AHL, his peers were making waves in the NHL. For instance, Slafkovsky secured his second consecutive 50-point season, Cooley emerged as a rising star in Utah, and both Wright and Gauthier delivered impressive performances, each recording solid 44-point rookie seasons. Naturally, this led to comparisons among fans and experts, with many expressing concern over Nemec's slower trajectory in comparison to his draft classmates. However, it’s essential to recognize that defensemen typically require more time to find their rhythm at the NHL level than forwards do.
It shouldn’t have come as a shock to the Devils' management that Nemec's breakthrough would not align perfectly with the successes of the forwards selected around him. So far this season, Nemec has been proving those doubts wrong, racking up 18 points in just 31 games—a pace that would see him finish the season with 48 points. Moreover, he has become the third-highest defenseman for the Devils in terms of ice time and is actively contributing to the power play alongside established players like Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes.
This performance aligns perfectly with the expectations the Devils had when they invested that high draft pick in him. That’s why the news of Nemec’s latest injury is such a disappointing setback, as it interrupts what has been shaping up to be an impressive breakout season, at least for the next couple of weeks.
On a brighter note for the Devils, while they face the challenge of Nemec's absence, there is optimism surrounding veteran defenseman Brett Pesce. Stein reported that Pesce participated in practice and is set to join the team on their upcoming road trip. Although Pesce, at 31 years old, may not bring the same offensive firepower that Nemec does, he offers a crucial defensive presence that the Devils currently lack.
Last season, Pesce led all Devils defensemen in average time on ice per game, showcasing his capability as a reliable shutdown defenseman. His strong defensive performances have justified the considerable investment the Devils made in him, as he is signed through the 2029-30 season at a $5.5 million annual average value. His return should help mitigate the impact of Nemec's injury and keep the Devils competitive in the fiercely contested playoff race within the Metropolitan Division.
What are your thoughts on the Devils’ current situation? Do you think Nemec's injury will significantly impact their playoff chances this season, or can the team rally around the returning Pesce? Share your opinions in the comments!
