Speculation: Nemec not happy with the Devils?

[goonybird]

Devils can just move Kovacevic for a decent return and bring him up if needed. And that can be done in the off-season. For now he'll fill in when there's an injury and in the playoffs.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Nemec hasn't fallen much at all which is why 95% of this whole thread makes no sense. People are acting like Nemec is entering bust territory because he didn't make the team this year. In actuality he's a 20 year old dman who played a phenomenal rookie season. The ONLY reason he didn't make this year's roster was because he started off the season with an injury which affected his ability to play. We also are stacked on defense and we have team control over him so we sent him down. Early on in the ahl he struggled because again he was playing injured. Now that he's healed up he's tearing up the AHL. The only reason he isn't on NJ's roster is because we haven't had injuries to any players to call him up & none of our dmen have played bad enough to warrant a benching. That's all this is. People thinking his value has dropped like crazy are living under a rock. He's a 20 year old dman. He's an actual child with nhl success and ahl success. One injury doesn't derail a players value especially when they healed from the injury.

I do agree that Nemec is still a very good prospect and SOME fans are ignorant to this situation. Does he still have #2 OA value? No (in my opinion). However, that doesn't mean he is not worth much. Usually, someone who was taken #2 OA is playing in the NHL by now and yeah, I get it, Devils are deep at RD. He's probably worth a 5-10 range pick at this stage. Slipped a bit but not to the level some fans think.

I have to reinforce the "some fans" context. They typically make others look bad and try to represent the herd.

Devils can just move Kovacevic for a decent return and bring him up if needed. And that can be done in the off-season. For now he'll fill in when there's an injury and in the playoffs.

I heard the Devils are interested in extending Kova? What I see here is someone like Nemec needing a bit more time to mature and the Devils are deep at RD. If the Devils can fill a hole somewhere else in the line-up, it might be ideal for them to fill that hole now vs later. This is what some fans see from the outside looking in.

 

[AfroThunder396]

The only Nemec trade that makes sense for NJ is a 1-for-1 hockey trade for a similar aged, similar quality young NHL forward with contract control. Someone like JJ Peterka or Mackie Samoskevich (not saying BUF or FLA would be interested, but that caliber of young player).

Picks and prospects mean nothing to NJ right now.

 

[Jersey Fresh]

I think they can move Hamilton pretty easily. Just depends on what they want in return. If all they want is cap space, San Jose would take him for a pick if approved and off waivers if it came to that. Other teams on his list might want to have NJ retain or take back cap. They may pay value or give them the top six help they may be looking for but it’s not guaranteed even with him being largely worth his contract relative to his role.

Exactly. A lot of people are convinced Hamilton is immovable and I don’t understand it. If Fitzgerald is smart, he’s watching Hamilton at the beginning of his down slope and is already preparing to move him in the summer.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

bold = fine
but remember the follow thru reciprocal is also true
Rs are not gonna help Devs by taking back vets
ESPECIALLY for an elite player

Some have said bread is a good idea for NJ, others a resounding no
competition of ideas -> honest discussion, comparison of views on why both sides
is a good thing

I am not adamant about Panarin to NJ
I want bread flipped for best return
currently I believe that would be DAL
you don't want in, fine
you want in, you have to step up with best offer

Posters are calling Nemec soft, well bread is as soft as they come. Getting up there in age and has a big contract. Don’t want him and don’t need him, especially with his play in the playoffs.

 

[Smitty426]

Exactly. A lot of people are convinced Hamilton is immovable and I don’t understand it. If Fitzgerald is smart, he’s watching Hamilton at the beginning of his down slope and is already preparing to move him in the summer.

His 10 team list kicks in July 1st. Assumption is its going to be teams that are competing, not sure he'd waive for a building team- how are museums in SJ? ; )

 

[goonybird]

I do agree that Nemec is still a very good prospect and SOME fans are ignorant to this situation. Does he still have #2 OA value? No (in my opinion). However, that doesn't mean he is not worth much. Usually, someone who was taken #2 OA is playing in the NHL by now and yeah, I get it, Devils are deep at RD. He's probably worth a 5-10 range pick at this stage. Slipped a bit but not to the level some fans think.

I have to reinforce the "some fans" context. They typically make others look bad and try to represent the herd.



I heard the Devils are interested in extending Kova? What I see here is someone like Nemec needing a bit more time to mature and the Devils are deep at RD. If the Devils can fill a hole somewhere else in the line-up, it might be ideal for them to fill that hole now vs later. This is what some fans see from the outside looking in.

Kova has been good and well worth an extension, but I don't think they're in a rush to move Nemec. Injuries late in the season, playoff black aces, etc. They'll hold onto both until the off-season and we'll see.

 

[Jersey Fresh]

His 10 team list kicks in July 1st. Assumption is it’s going to be teams that are competing, not sure he'd waive for a building team- how are museums in SJ? ; )

I mean, he signed for NJ before they had begun their competitive upswing. Don’t see contender status being the most important factor for Dougie.

 

[Double Dion]

I love Nemec. Would love for the Flames to be in on him. The problem would be the cost. From a Flames perspective I'd do Parekh, but not Wolf. I'd also do Andersson + if NJ wants a now piece.

 

[MakoSlade]

It will not be an easy task to move Hamilton with his 10 teams list. He can literally put together 10 teams that cannot afford him or just do not need him at all. I agree that retention would be needed. Hamilton at 6M is a totally different story for acquiring team, for sure.

2025-2026 bonuses get paid on July 1st, correct? Dougie's actual money minus that bonus is around $14.5 million, which isn't bad. There will be teams in need of a veteran that have no projected cap issues. Return won't be much, but a no-retention deal this offseason would be possible.

 

[Habs Halifax]

2025-2026 bonuses get paid on July 1st, correct? Dougie's actual money minus that bonus is around $14.5 million, which isn't bad. There will be teams in need of a veteran that have no projected cap issues. Return won't be much, but a no-retention deal this offseason would be possible.

I think the Devils are at a spot where they want proven guys that get the job done now. Unloading Hamilton for whatever they can get to insert Nemec (who is learning on the job) might mean a step back for them next year. Yes, Nemec still has potential and I believe he will be fine but the question here is how much more time is needed before he can fill a top 4RD role on a contender. Devils don't really have time to allow players to learn on the job at this stage

I can see the Devils moving Nemec but they would need to get back pieces that help them now and the future. Something that fits their core and helps them win a cup during their cup window.

Other than 3C, what are the Devils needs now? What would they like to add to their roster?

 

[Egresch]

2025-2026 bonuses get paid on July 1st, correct? Dougie's actual money minus that bonus is around $14.5 million, which isn't bad. There will be teams in need of a veteran that have no projected cap issues. Return won't be much, but a no-retention deal this offseason would be possible.

Well there are few teams which can absorb 9M cap, but I dont think those will be on his 10 team list. Does he want to go to SJS, ANA, CAL or CBJ? I dont think so.

 

[Jerzey Devil]

Well there are few teams which can absorb 9M cap, but I dont think those will be on his 10 team list. Does he want to go to SJS, ANA, CAL or CBJ? I dont think so.

I doubt he’d go back to Calgary but Anaheim, San Jose, and Columbus are all on the upswing with good prospects.

 

[My3Sons]

Best offer the Habs can make is one of our 1sts (probably 10-16 range), Evans, and one prospect of choice from... Mailloux, Beck, Roy, Engstrom.

The top 3 prospect you are talking about would be the 10-16 range 1st. The Devils can also use that asset in another trade that improves their team today. They would get Evans for their playoff run this year and try to extend him where they fill that 3C hole. Then the other futures can be used to fill another hole.

If Nemec is worth an 8 out of 10 in value offering a couple of 3 level assets and a 2 isn’t really all that interesting. If Nemec moves it’s presumably NJ piling up the lesser assets for a bigger fish not the other way around. Beyond that with MTL winning now they have to think playoffs and will be adding at the TDL not selling off guys like Evans.

 

[MakoSlade]

I think the Devils are at a spot where they want proven guys that get the job done now. Unloading Hamilton for whatever they can get to insert Nemec (who is learning on the job) might mean a step back for them next year. Yes, Nemec still has potential and I believe he will be fine but the question here is how much more time is needed before he can fill a top 4RD role on a contender. Devils don't really have time to allow players to learn on the job at this stage

I can see the Devils moving Nemec but they would need to get back pieces that help them now and the future. Something that fits their core and helps them win a cup during their cup window.

Other than 3C, what are the Devils needs now? What would they like to add to their roster?

I think Nemec was penciled in this year for a role in the top six. Kovo likely would have been the 7th defenseman if the Devils started the year healthy on the back end. I think the Devils would be find rolling with Nemec in the top 6 next year.

Other than 3C, I think a big shooter and a middle six guy would help. Also a heavy player or two. They are night and day compared to last year, but could still use more grit. If Nemec is on the table you can get high end options for the above.

 

[montreal]

Best offer the Habs can make is one of our 1sts (probably 10-16 range), Evans, and one prospect of choice from... Mailloux, Beck, Roy, Engstrom.

They likely wouldn't want Mailloux since he's a RD that has 1 more year before he will need waivers to be sent down. But Reinbacher doesn't need to clear waivers until the '27-'28 season so I would think if any RD goes it would be Reinbacher.

I don't think Roy has much trade value.

 

[Smitty426]

I mean, he signed for NJ before they had begun their competitive upswing. Don’t see contender status being the most important factor for Dougie.

Great point

 

[Smitty426]

I think Nemec was penciled in this year for a role in the top six. Kovo likely would have been the 7th defenseman if the Devils started the year healthy on the back end. I think the Devils would be find rolling with Nemec in the top 6 next year.

Other than 3C, I think a big shooter and a middle six guy would help. Also a heavy player or two. They are night and day compared to last year, but could still use more grit. If Nemec is on the table you can get high end options for the above.

Evans, Nelson, Granlund, Frederick, Oliveri, Tanev. All players I hope Fitz is looking at, that check one or more boxes you mentioned above

 

[Habs Halifax]

They likely wouldn't want Mailloux since he's a RD that has 1 more year before he will need waivers to be sent down. But Reinbacher doesn't need to clear waivers until the '27-'28 season so I would think if any RD goes it would be Reinbacher.

I don't think Roy has much trade value.

Evans and the 1st (10-16 range) are the prime pieces. Especially the 1st rounder. Evans would be the 2nd piece that gets them the 3C they need now. The 3rd part is the B+ type prospect which should not derail the entire thing. If the ask is Reinbacher, I pass. Rather keep what we have and stay put.

The 10-16 range 1st, Evans with extension, and choice of B+ prospect was something some Devils fans would consider fair (from a previous trade thread last week). Some Devils fans were open to it and some passed. Some fans from other teams thought it was a solid offer as well... value wise anyways. Doesn't mean it happens though.

 

[TBF1972]

Other than 3C, what are the Devils needs now? What would they like to add to their roster?

my opinion only:
- top6 forward with size. preferably a player who doesn't need the puck on his stick to be effective.
- middle 6c, who doesn't look out of place in the top6 in case of injury.
- long term starter, which is an upgrade over markstrom (probably off-season only).

player fitting the description would also need to fit under the salary cap long term.

 

[Chose]

Evans and the 1st (10-16 range) are the prime pieces. Especially the 1st rounder. Evans would be the 2nd piece that gets them the 3C they need now. The 3rd part is the B+ type prospect which should not derail the entire thing. If the ask is Reinbacher, I pass. Rather keep what we have and stay put.

The 10-16 range 1st, Evans with extension, and choice of B+ prospect was something some Devils fans would consider fair (from a previous trade thread last week). Some Devils fans were open to it and some passed. Some fans from other teams thought it was a solid offer as well... value wise anyways. Doesn't mean it happens though.

10-16 mid 1st + Evans 50% (Needed 3C at almost league minimum) and change the prospect to Tuch for the heavy 4th line player B prospect.
With this offer, you fill 2 holes and have a good 1st to fill the needed scorer rôle and you still have cap space to do so.
This is not bad for a non roster player.

 

[Byron Bitz]

Nemec to SJ for Liljegren, Collin Graf, Eric Polkamp and a 2026 unprotected 1st.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

Exactly. A lot of people are convinced Hamilton is immovable and I don’t understand it. If Fitzgerald is smart, he’s watching Hamilton at the beginning of his down slope and is already preparing to move him in the summer.

If you're looking at moving Hamilton in the offseason and he's willing to waive for San Jose for whatever reason, what would you be looking for? Would you just want cap space or would you want certain help?

 

[Habs Halifax]

I think Nemec was penciled in this year for a role in the top six. Kovo likely would have been the 7th defenseman if the Devils started the year healthy on the back end. I think the Devils would be find rolling with Nemec in the top 6 next year.

Other than 3C, I think a big shooter and a middle six guy would help. Also a heavy player or two. They are night and day compared to last year, but could still use more grit. If Nemec is on the table you can get high end options for the above.

Only thing I can see the Habs offering (as the prime piece) is one of our firsts. Probably going to be 10-16 range. Then we add Evans and allow permission to the Devils to talk sign/trade and he comes with an extension. Then we add a 3rd part and that is a B+ type prospect. That would be my approach and if you are after something different, I'm not sure the Habs are prepared to offer it.

This offer gets the Devils the 3C they need. Then the Devils can either use that 10-16 range pick to draft their own grade A prospect or use it in another trade for upgrades (If they want improvements now). The B+ prospect is just something for the Devils to have in their pool and see how they can develop them to fill a hole in the coming years.

I like Nemec's potential but I like it for the 2+ years timeframe. Yeah, he can play bottom pairing on the Habs now and we can allow a little learning on the job but I can see why the Devils can't do this today.... which is why he is in the AHL. Do I think he has #2 OA value today? No. However, I don't think his value has slipped to the level some other fans are saying. Probably worth a 5-10 range pick now. Slipped but not too far.

I wonder what offers other teams can make now? Like offering a 3C like Evans and another part the Devils can use now? Is there a team out there with that kind of depth they are willing to give? Not sure.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

Nemec to SJ for Liljegren, Collin Graf, Eric Polkamp and a 2026 unprotected 1st.

That 2026 unprotected 1st is a tough asset to give up for Nemec but an understandable ask.