James Nichols
Simon Nemec has not requested to be traded from the New Jersey Devils, New Jersey Hockey Now has learned.
A report overseas on Thursday suggested that the Slovakian defenseman asked to be moved. However, the rumors are unfounded.
It was also suggested that Devils GM Sunny Mehta has not been in contact with Nemec and his agent Craig Oster of Newport Sports Management.
However, New Jersey Hockey Now has also learned that Mehta and the Nemec camp have been in contact as recently as last week.
Nemec explained at exit interviews, “I would love to sign [in New Jersey],” when asked about a potential extension.
This isn’t the first time Nemec has been the subject of Devils trade rumors. In February 2025, a poor translation resulted in similar rumors that Nemec was unhappy in the New Jersey organization and was seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
Those rumors were also debunked.
Yet, at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, Nemec’s name popped up again—but for different reasons.
Ex-Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald was dangling Nemec’s name, seeking an upgrade for the top-six forward group. Yet, Nemec ultimately remained through the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Now, Nemec is a pending restricted free agent with no arbitration rights. The 22-year-old is sure to recieve a pay raise after a breakout 2025-26 campaign in which he netted 11 goals and 26 points.
However, projections foresee Nemec earning ~$4.5 million on a bridge deal, or ~$8 million on a long-term contract.
Given the Devils already have Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes on the books for $9 million each and the Devils only have $11,875,000 in cap space this summer to make significant upgrades and extend Arseny Gritsyuk, it appears there won’t be enough money to go around.
Therefore, although Nemec hasn’t requested to be traded, he’s still a candidate to be moved this summer if Mehta sees fit, especially if it’s to help upgrade the top-six forward group.
Either that, or Hamilton—who has equally been a subject in trade rumors—could be moved this summer in order to free up cap space to help Mehta make upgrades.
Mehta’s to-do list this summer is long. Nemec is one of the tasks the Devils GM will have to tackle, one way or another.
