Nemec had an injury just before training camp (Shoulder) which might explain why he didn't perform and keep a spot. Kovacevic got his chance and has been playing at an absurd level. I mean them the breaks, what else was Nemec supposed to do? Simply not get injured? Hire a hitman to get rid of a red-hot Kovacevic having a career year?
People saying Nemec couldn't outplay Kovacevic are kinda simplying the situation. Devils fan are saying than Nemec seems to be back to 100% and has been killing it in the AHL. Under normal circumstances he'd earn himself a call-up but there's simply no way you take off Kovacevic out the lineup the way he's playing right now. The Devils are 4th in the league for GA, they have one of the best Dcore in the league this year, why change a winning recipe?
At the end of the day, I think the Devils just package Nemec, Mercer, maybe one of Casey/Gritsyuk/Silayev and a 1st for a big fish either this deadline or this off-season. Doubt they're looking for futures, unless it's a heavy overpay.
Or, they'll be looking at swapping Nemec for a comparable F prospect that can join their top 6 starting next year. Doubt there's too many of those available tho...