You read that right. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the New Jersey Devils are officially taking calls on 22-year-old defenseman Simon Nemec.
While General Manager Tom Fitzgerald isn’t aggressively shopping the former second-overall pick, the impending restricted free agent has suddenly become the premier bargaining chip ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline. The asking price? A young, impact, top-six forward.
If you have watched the Devils lately, you know the blue line has organizational depth, but the forward corps could desperately use a high-end jolt to balance the attack. Moving a right-shot defenseman with Nemec’s sky-high ceiling is a terrifying risk for any front office, but it is the exact type of bold, old-school hockey trade that wins championships. Today, we are breaking down the four teams making the heaviest push for Simon Nemec and what they might have to give up to pry him out of Newark before 3:00 p.m. today.
Which Teams Have the Assets to Trade for Simon Nemec?
As someone who evaluates NHL rosters daily, trading a 22-year-old right-handed defenseman is a rarity. You spend years drafting and developing a foundational piece like the New Jersey Devils did with Simon Nemec. However, to get elite talent, you have to give up elite talent.
Here are the front-runners and my personal read on the potential returns:
- Boston Bruins: The Bruins are desperate for a top-four right-shot defender. Rumors suggest Boston would have to give up top prospect Will Zellers.
- Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers are swimming in middle-to-top-six forwards but are starved for high-end defensive talent. Names like Owen Tippett are floating around. A package centered around Tippett’s elite speed and shooting could be exactly what the Devils’ top six needs to become truly lethal.
- St. Louis Blues: This is the one that makes the most sense to me. A one-for-one blockbuster involving Jordan Kyrou. Kyrou is a game-breaking talent who could immediately slot into the Devils’ top six, while St. Louis gets the young defensive anchor they need to retool their back end. It’s a classic hockey trade that benefits both organizations.
- Detroit Red Wings: Steve Yzerman is looking to solidify his blue line for a playoff push. Top center prospect Nate Danielson has been mentioned in trade pitches. While Danielson is a phenomenal prospect, the Devils are looking for immediate NHL impact, which might make Detroit a tougher fit unless a third team gets involved.
Ultimately, the New Jersey Devils hold all the cards. They don’t have to move Simon Nemec, but if the right top-six forward becomes available, don’t be surprised if a blockbuster materializes.
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The post Why the New Jersey Devils Might Actually Trade Simon Nemec appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
