Nemec is 18 and won't turn 19 until mid-February.
Holtz was 19 last season and turned 20 in late January.
The 2 were basically 1 year apart in age when they began their careers.
Nemec is playing pro even one year earlier. Kids his age are still in high school. It would not be any kind of surprise if Simon is back in Utica when next year starts. Holtz was a top rookie last season doing what most rookies had never done. We are not hearing the same hype about Nemec that was flying around Holtz. Hockey people can see the flashes of what foretells brilliance, but it's just that----FLASHES.
Holtz showed some flaws, but that shot and his offensive zone passing was on display nightly and didn't just flash once in awhile. It was all game long. It's easier to get by on RW with some flaws while breaking into the NHL. Not so much on D. D mistakes much more often result in goals against.
Nemec is +6 on a team in which there are very few players who have not been on the ice for inordinate number of goals. Nemec leads the D with 19 goals against when he is on the ice, Russo follows with 18, and Wotherspoon with 17. They are also the main D penalty killers. The PK goals don't count in +/-.
Up front Thompson and Pinho lead the forwards with 13 and their center is right there with 12. The key point with the Pinho line is most of the goals scored against these guys were even strength goals. All 3 of these guys are minuses (Pinho -1, Foote -4, and Thompson -5) meaning they have been on the ice for more goals against than they have scored. Being the supposed 1st line you would hope that's not the case. Last season Holtz was -3.
As I have already posted, this kid is something special and the future is nothing but bright. I just hope that the philosophy Brodeur has been preaching holds true. The Devils have a solid base and there is no reason to rush the new kids like they have done in the past decade. They can afford to percolate the kids in the AHL and bring them in when they are actually ready. Patience is the best path to follow with them. That hasn't held true with Holtz and Bahl. They have been on the sidelines the first 3rd of this season. If that changes as we move forward, then the Devils are saying they are ready. I hope they are correct because if they continue to be injury insurance, that's not what the philosophy says.
Nemec, and soon to be Hughes II, are the latest ones to be real careful to develop the right way. They have a superb D at the moment and these kids have time to become what everyone wants them to be. Why for the life of me they would want the current team to sit back and watch these guys go through the growing pains when it's not necessary.
Yes, Hughes will have spent 2 season in the NCAA. However, he is just 19 and won't turn 20 until September. it's the age that all the Canadian Jrs. become eligible for the AHL. The NCAA is not the development program for the NHL. Guys playing with 18-23 yr-old teammates and opponents is not like playing with or against NHL or even AHL players. When an NHL team isn't bleeding without them, the AHL is the place to start.
With Hughes just turning 20 and Nemec not doing so until February I only have one question what's the rush? You don't need to push the latest blue chippers right into the fire if the parent club isn't in serious need of them. Detroit followed the system of percolating their top prospects when the Wings were strong and it was very successful. NJ is on the cusp of that same situation. They have the time to develop their prospects the right way. It wouldn't hurt the Devils one bit to let Hughes and Nemec play together as partners for a season or at least a good part of it. Then move them to the big club where they just slip right in instead of having them go through the Zacha, Hischier, and Hughes struggles. You see what Nico and Jack have eventually become. All their critics who were brutal the first couple of seasons have moved on to the latest prospects. Might be a lot easier for Luke and Simon to avoid all that unnecessary critiquing.
Just because a fan base craves to see the new toys doesn't mean management needs to rush it. They will be there and better for everyone if they are actually ready, especially the kids themselves.
P.S.
- It's possible McCarthy will sign at the end of this NCAA season.
- Casey is in the wings and will also be incoming in another season or 2.
- Mukhamadullin is another.
The Devils could use a couple more stud prospects for their forwards. The farm isn't really nursing any studs.
The Devils have a strong defensive crop growing fast. Taking their time with all of these guys gives them exciting NHL newcomers and depth on both sides of the ice. It also gives new prospects alittle time to mellow like fine wine as well. That also means trading material that may help deliver a piece or 2 that just might be the final link in the team that wins Stanley and maybe more than one time.
