Nemec knew exactly what he was saying. It would be silly to think his own countrymen media will not act as a messenger for him to help his cause when they have no stake in the NHL and full stake in him. It probably was even pre-coordinated by his agent or him. Let's not pretend it's just "open European native interview" and he was only answering a question. That's the way it works if you are invested into.
His attitude has been spotty from the whole getgo this season. He got injured precamp, played like dogshit and got outplayed by a 7th defenseman (although the 7th defenseman is playing more like a 1st or 2nd pairing guy somehow, so some bad luck for Nemec but he was still outplayed)
He has been playing great in the AHL as of recent, but it didn't start out that way. So either his injury healed, or he got his head outta the sulk mode, or he got a talk from his agent and was told the only way out of this is to play hard so other teams can look at you as a possible trade piece, or lucrative to NJD again. Maybe all of the above.
He may even want to stay with NJ but is just throwing the stone out there from his friendly country media to relay a message to his bosses indirectly.
I liked him last year, but at same time, don't want to deal with an entitled kid if that is the case.
Going to have to push back on this narrative particularly after I Google translated the whole interview.
He’s frustrated, which is understandable, but I don’t see him as being entitled. The reporter brings up a trade request and him being 2OA not in the NHL. Saying a 20 year old kid is pulling the strings instead of answering questions is a weird take.
Yes, the reporter doesn’t care about the Devils, and is focused on Nemec, because that’s what his home country readers care about. It doesn’t make him Nemec’s mouthpiece. Slovakians only has two lottery picks, they want both to be a NHL stars.
Nemec’s asked 25 questions and 9 of them are about other Slovakian players.
Here’s a synopsis of the 16 other questions, with some choice Google Translate quotes.
*A few key quotes were translated by a Slovak reporter, which are in italics, opposed to the slop Frankenstein SP non-quote used in this thread.
#1: Q: Roughly, how are you feeling?
A:
“I’ve gone through the toughest period of my career. It’s over now, and I’m playing my hockey again.”*
#2: Q: Asks about his recent 3 point game.
A: Basically the same as the last.
#3 Q: You started in the NHL, then sat and then were sent to Utica. Do you know why they made such a decision?
A: “It was not an optimal situation from either side. I sat out too many games, they didn't want me to not play, so they sent me down.” Wasn’t thrilled but got over it.
#4: Q: What helps? (Unclear about this one.)
A: Talks about girlfriend.
#5 Q: More specifically, what do you have to work on the most?
A: Team is focused on his defense.
#6 Q: What is your role in Utica?
A: he’s playing big minutes, extremely satisfied with that. Mentions getting to play in OT because Casey was out. [Probably was memorable because he got an assist on the OT goal.]
#7 Q: Both you and Casey are offensive defenders, how do you work together?
A: Normally, as with every teammate, not a rivalry, everyone wants to improve, not competing.
#8 Q: Was the transition to the AHL more difficult because the Comets were a last place team?
A: “Yes, I came to the team that didn't win anything. Everyone was frustrated, it didn't help me. I had to get out of it myself. However, we have already won a few matches, that's all better."
#9 Q: How did you deal with the frustration of being sent down?
A: Focus on self, don’t think about the situation and play.
#10 Q: Your draft rival David Jincek asked Columbus for a trade and in the end they traded him to Minnesota. Didn't you have a similar ambition?
A:
“It’s hard to say, it’s still too early to request a trade. If this situation continues, it will have to be addressed, but for now, this is how it stands.”*
#11 Q: Did you discuss the situation with Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald?
A: “Yes, and he told me that he didn't want me to sit in the stands in the NHL, but that he would rather go play in the AHL. Everyone knows that it is not an easy league. No one even expected that I would come there and have two points per match. He told me that I should improve and then I’ll see you."
#12 Q: The New Jersey defense is loaded with expensive contracts and an opening with only happen when *something*. What do you say to that?
A: Google Translate: “A few times I proved that I belong to NHL, but I try not to think about it. I take it as it is. I believe when the dream comes, I'll catch it."
vs
Slovak writer:
“I believe I've proven multiple times that I belong in the NHL. I just have to wait for another chance and grab it when it comes."*
#13 Q: Did Devils coach Sheldon Keefe and his assistants tell you anything?
A: Assistants helped when he was frustrated, particularly in morning skates. “It was frustrating when you have to watch your teammates, how they play and you can't jump in”.
#14 Q: Are set to play as an offensive defenseman or are you considering a more defensive style?
A:
"I wouldn't say I'm an ultra-offensive defenseman. I'd love to have a balanced role in the NHL - playing both offensively and defensively. That's what suits me best.”*
#15 Q: “Did you also learn from the fact that the professional league is a business when the club does not even have a number two draft pick?”
A: “It's business, but on the other hand, I can't remember which draft that number two went to the farm for the third year. Devils did well, I have to wait even if it's not the most optimal."
#16 Q: Were you looking for motivation on the farm?
A: “I don't want to say that I would be depressed. The motivation is the desire to get back to the NHL. The first the matches were good, but then came the frustration. I don't even remember when I had so many chances to score and I didn't take any of them. Looks like it's hard when you go a level lower, but the farming league is really hard.”
"Sometimes it feels like NHL games were easier compared to AHL. The farm league is really tough, with grinding, battling."*
