RD Simon Nemec (2022, 2nd, NJD)

[HugeInTheShire]

How does his play against the Hurricanes in the 1st round series affect your evaluation of him?

From what I saw he did pretty well handling a tough situation, coming in in relief against a great forechecking team. It seems like he's at his best when he's trusted into big minutes

2 points in 4 games, +3

He was a beast, but it doesn't come close to negating the horrible season he had for me.

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

How does his play against the Hurricanes in the 1st round series affect your evaluation of him?

From what I saw he did pretty well handling a tough situation, coming in in relief against a great forechecking team. It seems like he's at his best when he's trusted into big minutes

2 points in 4 games, +3

I went from resigned to the idea he'll be traded in the offseason to angry at the idea he'll be traded. It really seems like the Devils need to move Hamilton now to get this guy playing time.

 

[NJ DevLolz]

Weird season. He was penciled in as the 3RD to start the year; was injured late in the summer on international duty; plays RD-RD with rookie Seamus Casey and didn’t look right (probably still feeling effects of injury) Kovacevic proceeded to perform as one of the best defensive d in the sport; Devils D was remarkably healthy until 4 Nations when Siegenthaler and Hamilton go down.

The struggles were definitely physical early on and turned mental. I think with the team knowing Luke and Dillon were done for the series, it helped Nemec understand that he was going to play no matter what and his mind was eased.