New Jersey Devils’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Simon Nemec – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils’ 2025-26 season was a whirlwind of unpredictability, featuring no shortage of injuries, instability, and scoring slumps. Despite making a decent push at the very end of the season, they were unable to secure a postseason spot. Finishing the season 42-37-3, the Devils are looking to have an active offseason as they try to take another step toward becoming a serious Stanley Cup contender.

All season long, every player on the roster contributed one way or another, with some making a greater impact than others. This installment focuses on defenseman Simon Nemec, whose season was a mixed bag of offensive breakouts and defensive lulls.

2025-26 Performance

Once again, Nemec proved that he has the makings of an elite offensive defenseman, but he was hindered by an injury at the end of 2025. He started strong in October with seven assists, all of which came during the Devils’ eight-game win streak. But he cemented his offensive dominance in November, when he scored six goals, two of which were game-winners.

And no one could forget his hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks, where Nemec became the youngest NHL defenseman to score a hat trick and an overtime goal within the same game. He would then go on to score again in overtime against the St. Louis Blues, leading the Devils to a 3-2 victory.

If you need us, we’re watching Nemo’s OT winner over and over again. pic.twitter.com/1agR7Y2LzT

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 20, 2026

Unfortunately, he sustained a lower-body injury at practice in mid-December, missing nearly a month of action as a result. Nemec’s struggles were noticeable when he finally returned, and he finished January a minus-5. He was even a healthy scratch within the same month, just days after being activated off injured reserve (IR).

Nonetheless, Nemec managed to bounce back from the 2024-25 season, where he played just 27 NHL games, dealt with a lingering shoulder injury, and was assigned to the Utica Comets for a period of time. This season, he set a career high of 26 points and showed potential as a top-four defenseman. Overall, he was a solid contributor for the Devils, showing versatility with his two-way play and making key plays in crucial moments. 

Impact for the Devils

The Devils drafted Nemec second overall in 2022, and even though he’s been an exceptional defenseman for the most part, he hasn’t yet reached his full potential. Likewise, his development has been a subject of debate among their fanbase, especially with prospect Seamus Casey in the Devils’ pipeline.

Nemec might be an asset when it comes to generating offense, but his high-risk style of play has raised some concerns. For example, he’s seen a 220% increase in giveaways since his 2023-24 rookie season, and he’s also given up a higher rate of scoring chances and shot attempts against.

But the Devils should want Nemec to represent the future of their blue line — especially now that Hamilton’s future in New Jersey is uncertain. He’s already proven that he can thrive in high-pressure scenarios and goal deficits, all while juggling high ice time. And though he’s had bouts of inconsistency, he deserves the chance to try and find another level of his game next season.

During times when depth scoring was either shaky or outright absent, Nemec showed that he can be an offensive threat. This season, he was on the ice for an average of 2.87 goals, 28.89 shots, and 11.3 high-danger scoring chances every 60 minutes. Even with only three NHL seasons under his belt, Nemec demonstrates the qualities of a top-pairing defenseman with poise, speed, and mobility.

Future With the Devils

Heading into the offseason, Nemec’s future in New Jersey remains uncertain, especially since 2025-26 marked the final year of his entry-level contract (ELC). His cap hit was originally $918,333, but the young defenseman could see a major salary increase should Sunny Mehta re-sign him.

Given his status as a restricted free agent (RFA), the Devils’ surplus of defensive talent on the right side, and Hughes’ $63 million extension last fall, Nemec’s situation becomes even more complicated. As it stands, the team has to extend a qualifying offer this summer to retain his rights.

The reality is that the Devils need to weigh the pros and cons of keeping or trading Nemec. Given that their cap space situation is already tight, they cannot afford to give him a $9 million average annual value (AAV) like Hughes and Hamilton.

However, the organization must also consider the potential rewards of trading him. If they can acquire another top-six scorer — which the Devils have been trying to do for quite some time — it could be worth moving Nemec. Adding a young, high-scoring forward to the lineup would make more sense than re-signing Nemec to a long-term deal with an overly high price tag.

Overall Grade

Considering his performance this season, Nemec’s overall grade for 2025-26 is an A-. He proved his worth as an offensive defenseman, logging high minutes and embracing a larger role after various injuries to the Devils’ blue line. There might have been a few moments of inconsistency and defensive lapses, but he still finished the season strong, ranking second in goals among the club’s defensemen. And now, the organization must decide whether to re-sign him or use him as a bargaining chip in an offseason trade. Either way, Nemec has been an important part of the Devils’ roster.