Neutral fan. Have kept a close eye on Nemec because I owned him in a dynasty league ('owned' being the operative word.
Was a huge fan of Nemec in his D-1 and draft year. Had minimal viewing since, but caught some games at the end of last season and liked what I was seeing. Traded for him in the offseason assuming he'd have a shot in a top 4 role.
Obviously Devils sign Pesce and acquire Kovacevic and Nemec couldn't win a spot, gets sent down to work on his game.
Most concerning thing for me is just by Utica Comets highlight, Nemec seems to have many more low-lights than highlights of his own, without even looking for it. I'm sure the coaching staff wanted him to focus on his D game, and it's clear he hasn't improved there. Some more red flags with his skating, lack of physicality or any physical tools to really separate him. His offensive IQ is his best trait
Most concerning thing for a guy like that is that if you're not going to be defensively responsible you're not going to win a NHL coach's trust. He's trending in the wrong direction and I think it's more likely he ends up in bust territory than a top-pairing guy. I think right now at best you need to hope for is him committing to the D game which is not impossible if his effort is there, and maybe that comes after a change of scenery. Then I could see him in a top 4 role, but I wouldn't count on it. His skating will really hold him back.
Would be happy to eat crow if I'm wrong. But big buyer beware here IMO. I'd bet most fans will be surprised at the relative lack of value he'll hold in a trade.
