That’s wrong. Most Devils fans in this thread said last year that Nemec was by far their best D and how he was already playing like a #1 D (hint hint at those who’s saying the same about Kovacevic right now).
Nemec should not be traded. It’s way too hard to find a consistant top 4 RHD that you NEED to keep them when you have one on your team/pipeline.
Hamilton is already showing signs of slowing down. Pesce is almost 30 and also already showed signs of slowing down in Carolina. Kovacevic is nothing more than a good #6 who had a good start. Don’t fool yourself into thinking your right side is covered for a decade because things move fast in this league. By the time Nemec hit his stride and play a mature game both Pesce and Hamilton will likely already be washed up and shell of themselves and you’ll be happy you held on Nemec and Casey
Yes, Nemec exceeded expectations last season, but very few Devils fans were penciling him in at the top of the RD depth chart ahead of Hamilton and Pesce.
Hamilton finished 6th in Norris voting two seasons ago when he was healthy is still just 31 and leads the team in ATOI. As you mentioned, Pesce isn't even 30 yet. A 20 year old Nemec with less than a full NHL season under his belt wasn't getting top minutes.
I would be surprised if Nemec gets traded and more calling out that any deal the Devils make would be unlikely to return futures as part of the package.