Conflicting reports surround Nemec, Devils — The Fourth Period

The first major decision New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta may have to face could revolve around the future of young star defenceman Simon Nemec.

Nemec, 22, is in the final year of his entry-level contract and will need a new deal moving forward. Whether that continues in New Jersey or not remains to the seen.

According to an initial report by Slovak outlet Dennik N, Nemec has requested a trade from the Devils. However, hours later, Dennik Sport reported Nemec “has not officially requested anything.”

Nemec’s future has been called into question during the season and his name has popped up in countless trade speculation. While a formal trade request does not seem to have occurred, it has raied questions about his future with the club.

During Thursday’s episode of the DFO Rundown Insider Edition, TFP’s David Pagnotta noted that the Devils could explore the market on Nemec, especially if they can bring in a top-line winger.

“Well, at time we’re (recording) this, neither Nemec’s camp nor the Devils have confirmed the report over in Slovakia that he has asked for a trade,” Pagnotta stated. “The report also indicated that, there’s been a lack of communication. I don’t believe that to be accurate. I think that Sunny Mehta, once he came in, has talked to a number of players. I believe he’s reached out and spoken with Nemec’s camp. So, maybe there’s a little bit of a disconnect there.

“What we do know is that his name has been floating around the trade market going back a full season, even last off-season a little bit. We know that the New Jersey Devils have been looking and trying to add an offensive type of player, a winger, presumably to play alongside Jack Hughes. That was under previous regime. We’ll see what Sunny Mehta and his camp now want to do in terms of shaping this team a little bit and allowing them to move forward. But look, if you’re going to move Nemec, who’s an RFA, by the way, or will be in July, that’s a pretty good looking carrot to dangle for teams out there.”

If the Devils opt to explore the market, several teams will surely come calling, and some teams could use their depth up front to entice Mehta to explore a move.