I really like Nemec and expect he'll become a phenomenal d-man, but you could argue that trading for a decent RHD and signing a top UFA RHD while already having a top pairing RHD indicates that NJ has some doubts. Either way, I hope NJ is wrong and Nemec turns out great. I like their team, generally like the fans, and like the player.
I think they brought in Kovacevic to be a depth dman, I don't think that had anything to do with their opinion of Nemec.
Nemec had a very bad camp and terrible start to the season, probably because of the injury he incurred near the end of the summer. His timing was notably off, and was giving up odd man rushes multiple times per night. He was better in his last 4-5 games but still not 100%.
Meanwhile, Kovacevic has played like an elite shutdown dman, and stole his spot.
Nemec would make a lot of NHL rosters right now, but the devils RD depth is pretty insane right now - with Casey and Kovacevic playing the way they have, Nemec would be the 5th RD on my depth chart.
It's a great luxury to be able to be patient with our young defenseman. But we are in no rush to move Nemec for anything short of an overpayment in a position or role of need.
Regarding this proposal, Mailloux is not a need with Luke and Casey set time run our PPs for the next decade.