The 2023-2024 season could be the gateway to the National Hockey League for the man selected immediately after Juraj Slafkovsky in the 2022 draft: Simon Nemec.
The New Jersey Devils have their sights set on the Slovak defenseman in the second round of the session in Montreal. They then played patience with the young man, who was learning the basics of North American ice hockey with his school club, the Utica Comets.
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Nemec had an excellent season in the American League, collecting 34 points in 65 regular season games and maintaining a +13 rating. The 19-year-old was used to playing with men and it quickly showed.
“We know we have a special player,” Comets head coach Kevin Dineen said in an interview with the National Hockey League (NHL) website on Friday.
“I’m wondering if we should think about the next six to eight months or if we should think about the next 10 to 15 years because I’m not worried about when ‘Nemo’ starts his NHL career. “It will happen because he is such a talented and dedicated young man,” the former Quebec hockey player added.
Nemec himself expects to start the season in Utica, although some matches on the Bettman circuit may be available to him. The Devils’ blue line group already appears to be in good shape, especially since Luke Hughes will also be fighting for a position.
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The Nitra MHC product was first discovered for his offensive talent after collecting 26 points in 39 games in the Slovakian Elite League at just 18 years old. Nemec is now strengthening its bow to act more responsibly defensively.
“I think I improved my defensive game because of the numerical disadvantages. I had never played short man before, but last year I played there more than the power play and I think I found my way,” the top prospect explained.
“He is a very mature young man and he needs to know that he can really make a difference, even if he is not on the scoresheet. You can also kill penalties,” assured Dineen.
In Nemec’s case, physical play is also an aspect that needs to be improved. The adjustments are minimal and we should expect to see the Slovakian on the Bettman Circuit rinks sooner rather than later.