Story by
Devils rumors: Slovakian newspaper shuts down potential Simon Nemec trade request
- Story by
- Devils rumors: Slovakian newspaper shuts down potential Simon Nemec trade request
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Devils rumors: Slovakian newspaper shuts down potential Simon Nemec trade request appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New Jersey Devils are entering a critical offseason after missing out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time in three years in 2025-26.
Advertisement
There's a new general manager in town in Sunny Mehta , and it looks like he already has his hands full after conflicting reports out of Slovakia reported that young defenseman Simon Nemec requested a trade on Thursday.
The report, written by Simon Chop and Stefan Bufan of Denník, a Slovakian outlet, opined that Nemec had indeed requested out of New Jersey . But another statement shortly afterwards from Slovakian insider Tomas Prokop said that that is not the case.
As well, James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now shared that his sources indicate that Mehta has already contacted Nemec about a new contract, indicating that at least that part of Denník's reporting is inaccurate.
Nemec enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Devils in 2025-26, scoring 11 goals and adding 15 assists for 26 points in 68 games. The 22-year-old, who was selected second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, has seen his name swirling in trade rumors going back at least a year.
Advertisement
However, Nemec said at his end-of-season media availability that he'd "love to sign" back in Newark, so it's difficult to trace the truth among these conflicting reports.
It seems that the young Slovakian is committed to the Devils moving forward, but that does not mean that Mehta won't explore the possibility of trading the young blue liner. New Jersey is eyeing a top-six forward in its quest to return to the dance in 2026-27, and Nemec is arguably the best trade chip the team has in its arsenal.
The Devils already have their bonafide No. 1 defenseman in Luke Hughes , who is signed through 2032 at a $9 million cap hit. Nemec is a pending restricted free agent, and will be due a significant raise from his entry-level deal, which paid him a shade over $918,000 in 2025-26.
Right-shot defensemen are always in high demand in the NHL, though, so if Mehta gets an offer he can't refuse, it wouldn't be impossible to see Nemec shipped out of town. But he's proven to be a key contributor on a Devils club that is desperate to get back to legitimate contention next season.
It'll be interesting to see what the resolution ends up being this summer.
