He’ll definitely stay in Utica. I feel like Ruff is more likely to use Geertsen than Nemec in the playoffs if half our D group gets injured.
Prospect Info: New Jersey Devils Draft Simon Nemec, 2nd Overall
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Nicomo Cosca
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Captain3rdLine
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I’d imagine he stays with Utica but if the Devils get into injury trouble I’d imagine he’ll be one of the first if not the first call up.
Antiillafire
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Utica’s playoff chances are very low, they would essentially need a miracle to get in by the looks of it.
But I also don’t think it makes much sense to keep him as a black ace, he’s a young player who needs to play. Let him join the Slovak national team for their preparation matches for the WHC. He will get lots of ice time for those games and then he can play lots with the national team when the tournament begins the second week of May.
But I also don’t think it makes much sense to keep him as a black ace, he’s a young player who needs to play. Let him join the Slovak national team for their preparation matches for the WHC. He will get lots of ice time for those games and then he can play lots with the national team when the tournament begins the second week of May.
Jersey Fan 12
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Antiillafire
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I was looking at an older standings set up, it does look like they only need 1 point as Cleveland has less ROW.
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Prob let him marinate in the playoffs down in Utica for the experience
Captain3rdLine
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Disagree with that. He’s played more than enough games this year and once he’s done with Utica I think it will be much more valuable to him and the Devils to have him with the big club skating and seeing how things are done.
He also might be the first dman up if a we have a couple injuries on the back-end.
He also already has a ton of international experience and once you’ve played an entire season of games I don’t think there’s much value in throwing in some more less structured international ones just to keep him playing. I’d actually rather him just go home rest up and start preparing for next season than doing that.
MasterofGrond
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Captain3rdLine
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I don’t think you gotta whatsoever, especially if you want to keep him around in case of injuries.
I also doubt he would want to. If you were him after just finishing a long season would you rather go play in your third straight WC with Slovakia or go stay and practice with your NHL club who’s in the playoffs with the very slim chance you could be needed and make your NHL debut in an important playoff game. That seems like a no brainer to me.
I think this completely comes down to what the devils want, think is best, and whether they think there’s a chance they could need him.
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MasterofGrond
No, I'm not serious.
I think you underestimate the level of national pride that players (and especially ones from some countries) take in representing their nations. Obviously he would like to play for the Cup, but he's at best the 9th defenseman in playing priority, so that's pretty unlikely. At that point I think it's super reasonable to go to the WC, especially if you know you're one of their best defenseman and could meaningfully improve their team.
He may not, of course, for a myriad of reasons but I wouldn't write it off so easily.
Captain3rdLine
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I see very little upside to it.
So if that’s how you feel. The Devils have 8 D right now. If a couple go down in playoffs which is very possible. Who do you want as the next guy up?
I see 4 feasible options. Wotherspoon, Walsh, Nemec, and Russo.
I would personally would much rather Nemec than Russo or Walsh if we needed someone for the playoffs. Maybe it’s Wotherspoon which isn’t unreasonable but then at worst I’d say Nemec is number 10. I also think the experience of being around the big club is much more beneficial to him than playing in his third straight WC with Slovakia.
Captain3rdLine
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I’d write it off in a heartbeat. He’s already played in the last 2 and has played a ton for his country. Lots of players straight up pass on playing in it after their seasons and he’s only 19 has already represented his country a ton and will have another 15+ years of potential opportunities to represent his country hopefully at even more meaningful events at some point. It’s not that I don’t think he’d want. Just think joining the devils for the playoffs even if he’s not that likely to play would be way more exciting. If he’s the 9th guy it is also possible he gets in.
I also think you’re underestimating how big of a deal it is for a young prospect to be around an NHL team and especially one that’s as good and exciting as this one. Every single player in Utica is probably just itching to be apart of what’s going on with the big club in any way they can.
I also think it entirely comes down to what New Jersey wants anyways. If they want him around as backup or because they think it’s good for him that’s what will happen.
Jason MacIsaac
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As much as I would love for him to play at the WC, I think NJ needs to be 9 or 10 deep at defense especially if they make is through the first round.
SteveCangialosi123
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He’s having an outstanding season
Clam Jensen
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Embarrassment of riches.
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We arguably have 2 of the top 3 D prospects in the league. Feels good man.
Zajacs Bowl Cut
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I believe Nemec is at a point per game over his last ~15 games, and thats with minimal PP scoring
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It's absolutely incredible how far this team has come. We have a top team in the NHL and two blue chip D prospects yet to (fully) join the team. Good times, good vibes. A nice reward for having struggled through some really tough years.
ZachaFlockaFlame
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Tanking/rebuilding works, don't let anyone fool you otherwise.
It can work. But you have to devote the necessary resources to scouting and your drafting plan has to be sound and you need a little luck as well. And you need deep pocketed owners that can handle the lean years which as we have seen can really pile up.
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We definitely benefited from that Taylor Hall lottery magic.
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