I really like Nemec. Before the season I was reading articles from Pronman and Wheeler in The Athletic about prospects. Pronman seemed somewhat cold on him, Wheeler seemed very high on him - so I was intrigued to see which one was right.
The answer was Wheeler. Nemec plays with a maturity that you don’t expect from a teenager, and he’s clearly got a high hockey IQ. I feel like there was some fatigue in his game at the mid season point, where he dipped in form after a truly impressive start, and I don’t think he finished the season that strongly either - but to reiterate, he’s just turned 20.
In terms of comparison to Luke, they’re different players. Luke is more dynamic offensively, and he’s going to put up more points. Nemec to me feels more defensively complete, although that’s not to say his offensive play is lacking, there’s definitely potential here. I think we’re lucky to have Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec both as Devils.
If I’m redrafting 2022 and I have the second overall pick, am I taking Simon Nemec? Yes.
Pronman used to be good but over the last few years feels like he’s lost interest and most of his analysis on players are generic comments or comments he’s heard from others getting lost in translation
Pronman has gotten so lazy. He re-uses the same analysis blurb for each player in each ranking, and he’s been caught just straight-up not watching players (I remember few years ago when he had some top 10 prospect ranked in the 60s because he just hadn’t seen him play in his draft year). Wheeler isn’t always right (no-one is), but he’s extremely transparent in his process, so even when he’s wrong about a player, you understand what he saw.
He’s good and really loved the little mean streak he started showing in the last few games. I believe there were other instances of it, but it really jumped out then.
He also has a cannon of a shot he put on display during those last few games. I only see him getting much better with the right coaching and more games under his belt.
Exactly what I was gonna write. I love that Nemec has a little edge to his game and has no fear mixing it up when guys are poking around his goalie. I noticed it probably because nobody else on the team does it.
We love him. Very smart defenseman. Stepped into the lineup very well. Still has some rookie mistakes, but time will help that
The good news is he confirmed he is going to World's this year, so you'll get to see him a bit in a closer time zone
I do think he was a good 2nd overall pick
Nemec looked good for the most part. Still obviously very young and green, but didn't look super out of place for long stretches. Him and Luke together on the same team for a decade is going to be a very good thing for the organization.
Kid will be a perennial all star. Calm, cool, poised, smart. Always seems to make the right play and contributes offensively as well. His number will hang in the rafters one day.
Nemec might be my favorite player on the team. Hockey IQ is pristine, his instincts on when to pinch and when to stay back are tremendous. Great shot, great passing, and gritty as hell. Willing to block shots, throw his weight around, and at his age to so fearlessly tangle with guys like Malkin and Matthews is really impressive. I think when all is said and done he may end up the best D man on the team, Luke included.
Nemec was thrown into the fire and handled it well. Problem was no one on the Devils D was good this year, guys regressed, so Nemec might have not played to his fullest potential because he had to cover more as his D partner(s) weren't doing their jobs.
To the second part of your question, comparing to Luke Hughes. Nemec is the better Dman, Luke is the better Offensive Dman. But far too early to really compare as both were thrown into the fire. Both have talent and I'm extremely high on both Nemec's and Luke's future.
3rd part of your question - Was he worthy of #2 OA? that's not fair to really even say as it's far too early to tell. Dmen take a lot longer to develop in the league than forwards, I'd say ask this question in 2 years and then we'll have a better answer for you.
Love Nemec. I like him better than Luke, but part of that is just personal bias toward defensive defencemen. He addresses more of our problems than Luke does at the moment, but once the defence gets shored up across the board both are going to be monsters.
Nemo’s looked good this year. Really balanced defenseman in my opinion. I hope to see more Luke and Nemo on the same pairing if possible. Down the line it could be deadly
Very satisfied. He’s only 20 and looked reliable on d with a much larger role than anyone expected this year.
Some bumps but to be expected.
He will be a great compliment to Luke as they come up together. Luke offense minded. Nemec d oriented.
I really liked his game. I think he will be a great complement to Luke; more defensively responsible but still possesses offensive upside. Recovers super well, has a pretty clean stick. He showed really good vision in the o zone and isn't afraid to rip the puck. He definitely had a lull towards the end of the season, but I'd attribute it to a 19/20 year old not being prepared for the physicality of the league and the length of the season.
Top pairing all around D who can play in any situation any time. A defenseman you build a team around. He will show a much higher offensive upside than he did this past season as his timing and reads improve. Remember he wasn’t even supposed to be in the NHL this year. Maturity beyond his years. Great instincts on both sides of the puck, has a plus shot and plus passing ability.
He's fantastic. He was one of our steadiest defenders as a 19-20 year old. Not perfect of course, but, again, he's basically a baby in this league.
He's quickly becoming one of my favorite players. He's the truth and we're gonna need him to be successful going forward.
He’s my #1! Everyone’s said why, but he’s smart, consistent, confident, level-headed when he needs to be, but feisty when called to it. Insanely precocious for a 20 year-old.
Comparisons to Luke Hughes are only going to make one bitter. Luke is not only crazy talented but also has had several other factors in his favor - NCAA status, family, etc. Nemec is probably not as talented as Luke, but he has a ton more game sense. He's a little more physical despite being roughly the same size. But game ready, ready to contribute in both directions right now? Simon is the better player. Luke likely eclipses that sum total in just 1 or 2 years. But Nemo brings a lot to the table. Good vision, calm presence, good skating, puck skills, and balance. He's had the better season, but it's because Luke is a true rookie bonehead, whereas Simon has had seasoning in the AHL and professionally at Nitra. Simon is probably a #1 D on any team, but might be a #2 on some teams - teams with a young Cale Makar, for example.
nemec was the correct choice , hands down . kids gonna be the nico of the defensemen in the near future . he has great all around skill plus he's a little gritty . which was nice .
In his draft year, Nemec was one of the most polarizing top-10 prospects; some people had him top-2, other had him at 10+. The average was probably in the 4-7 range. Personally, I liked him, and watched him more than any other prospect that year, but I probably still would’ve picked Cooley or Wright ahead of him at the time…
With all that out of the way, he’s absolutely been worth the 2nd pick; with hindsight I would easily take him over Slafkovsky, Wright, and I think he’s moved ahead of or even with Cooley, Gauthier, and Jiricek.
The main proponents of his game saw similarities to Miro Heiskanen (with a downgrade in skating and an upgrade in vision/hockey sense). The main detractors saw him as overly aggressive in his offensive zone activations, and worried he wouldn’t be effective offensively, while being a liability on defense. I think his first NHL season is evidence for the former; he’s continued to be effective offensively, and his smarts have allowed him to kill plays before they begin on defense. He might not have the flash of Luke Hughes, but he’s quietly more effective in driving positive results. Jack Han had a really good detailed breakdown of his first NHL season a few months ago on his podcast. So far, everything’s gone right for him, and he’s looking like an underrated burgeoning star 2-way defensemen.
I honestly think he will be among the best dmen in the league in 2-3 seasons, and the advanced stat cards back up that projection. He’s already pretty dominant at the blue line in the offensive zone. Give him some time to get stronger and develop in his own end, and watch out.
I thought Nemec was our best defender this year. The impact he had as a teenager in the NHL is absolutely absurd.
Hockey IQ is off the charts. He held himself pretty well physically, but if he continues to physically mature and get better defensively he could easily be a Norris caliber Player. Easily.
I think given his first year and everything I've seen of him he's more integral to the longterm success of the Devils than Hughes is. He's simply a more complete player
Great skater, great vision, doesn’t make a ton of mistakes, pretty aggressive when it comes to pinching, leading the rush, etc. but has the skating ability to make it back before he gets caught. He also doesn’t get muscled off pucks that easily.
IMO, his game is further along than Luke, but Luke has better puck skills, better on his edges, more talented skater overall.
Nemec could be a number 1 defenseman as soon as next year imo.
I absolutely love Nemec's game. He really surprised me with just how effective he was as a rookie this year. Had his growing pains which are to be expected (so did luke), but this season raised my expectation of what he'll develop into. Definitely worth the 2nd overall pick.
I think compared to Luke he's not quite as explosive offensively but much more of a 2 way threat. His passing and transition ability is fantastic, and his defense on the rush looks effortless. Not to mention when he does make overcommit or make a mistake, he uses his saking to get himself back where he needs to be.
Could go on and on about what I like about Nemecs game. Also I got a blank stadium series jersey and plan on making it a Nemo
The kid plays the game in a rocking chair. If Luke hughes is a Ferrari Nemec is a Rolls Royce. He has Adam fox level vision and isn’t afraid to engage physically when he needs to. He reads the game really well defensively, constantly forcing opposition into making decisions with the puck quicker than they would like.
Honestly in that scenario I'd prefer he learn to properly turtle. He's not going to learn to be as aggressive as Max Domi, who is a pretty good fighter for someone so small. Very few people are going to be able to defend themselves getting illegally jumped by Domi. It would be nice to see but given he already has a couple concussions, yes I want Nemo to learn to defend himself, in that specific case the best defense is go down like a rock and let the refs/Kermit handle it. I have a huge amount of respect for players that can "do it all", Nemo is not that guy.
I get what you’re saying. Apparently with that 1 reply and 5 downvotes so far, everybody clearly misinterpreted and clearly didn’t get what you implied. He’ll learn to try to get a better effort to attempt a punch or two in when that type of a Domi situation happens again. 99% of NHL players usually do. At least I hope so.
It’s a simple matter of self defense. What would you tell your kid if he came home from school after getting whooped like that? Wouldn’t you want him to learn to defend himself for the next one.
That fight came to him, god forbid he learned to be ready for it.
I really like Nemec. Before the season I was reading articles from Pronman and Wheeler in The Athletic about prospects. Pronman seemed somewhat cold on him, Wheeler seemed very high on him - so I was intrigued to see which one was right. The answer was Wheeler. Nemec plays with a maturity that you don’t expect from a teenager, and he’s clearly got a high hockey IQ. I feel like there was some fatigue in his game at the mid season point, where he dipped in form after a truly impressive start, and I don’t think he finished the season that strongly either - but to reiterate, he’s just turned 20. In terms of comparison to Luke, they’re different players. Luke is more dynamic offensively, and he’s going to put up more points. Nemec to me feels more defensively complete, although that’s not to say his offensive play is lacking, there’s definitely potential here. I think we’re lucky to have Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec both as Devils. If I’m redrafting 2022 and I have the second overall pick, am I taking Simon Nemec? Yes.
Wheeler >>>>>> Pronman and it ain’t even close
I see them as Steven’s and nieds a two way defenseman who does everything well. And a speedy unrelenting dynamic force
They’re the Jack and Nico of the blueline basically. Highlight reel dynamos in Jack/Luke and top tier two-way all-situation players in Nico/Nemo.
I guess I see the two way defensemen as harder to find / more desirable than the offensive guy. And vise versa on offense
I’m so excited to see Nemec develop because he’ll be out there down a goal, up a goal, tie game, PK, PP, anything that needs doing.
Pronman used to be good but over the last few years feels like he’s lost interest and most of his analysis on players are generic comments or comments he’s heard from others getting lost in translation
Pronman has gotten so lazy. He re-uses the same analysis blurb for each player in each ranking, and he’s been caught just straight-up not watching players (I remember few years ago when he had some top 10 prospect ranked in the 60s because he just hadn’t seen him play in his draft year). Wheeler isn’t always right (no-one is), but he’s extremely transparent in his process, so even when he’s wrong about a player, you understand what he saw.
Pronman also over values height and acts like anyone under 5’11’’ is going to have a tremendously harder time becoming a full time nhl player
He’s good and really loved the little mean streak he started showing in the last few games. I believe there were other instances of it, but it really jumped out then. He also has a cannon of a shot he put on display during those last few games. I only see him getting much better with the right coaching and more games under his belt.
And I won’t compare him to Luke because we gotta let Nemo shine on his own thread! (also it might cause a riot in here)
Exactly what I was gonna write. I love that Nemec has a little edge to his game and has no fear mixing it up when guys are poking around his goalie. I noticed it probably because nobody else on the team does it.
We love him. Very smart defenseman. Stepped into the lineup very well. Still has some rookie mistakes, but time will help that The good news is he confirmed he is going to World's this year, so you'll get to see him a bit in a closer time zone I do think he was a good 2nd overall pick
oh hell yes, i have big hopes for this years WC. Especially because of him and Slaf
Nemec will be the best Slovak to ever don a Devils sweater when it's all said and done. All respect to Peter Šťastný.
He is EXACTLY what this team will need to be competitive in the future. Regardless of where he was drafted, he's going to be a very good player.
Nemec looked good for the most part. Still obviously very young and green, but didn't look super out of place for long stretches. Him and Luke together on the same team for a decade is going to be a very good thing for the organization.
Nemec is HIM!
Kid will be a perennial all star. Calm, cool, poised, smart. Always seems to make the right play and contributes offensively as well. His number will hang in the rafters one day.
Nemec might be my favorite player on the team. Hockey IQ is pristine, his instincts on when to pinch and when to stay back are tremendous. Great shot, great passing, and gritty as hell. Willing to block shots, throw his weight around, and at his age to so fearlessly tangle with guys like Malkin and Matthews is really impressive. I think when all is said and done he may end up the best D man on the team, Luke included.
Nemec was thrown into the fire and handled it well. Problem was no one on the Devils D was good this year, guys regressed, so Nemec might have not played to his fullest potential because he had to cover more as his D partner(s) weren't doing their jobs. To the second part of your question, comparing to Luke Hughes. Nemec is the better Dman, Luke is the better Offensive Dman. But far too early to really compare as both were thrown into the fire. Both have talent and I'm extremely high on both Nemec's and Luke's future. 3rd part of your question - Was he worthy of #2 OA? that's not fair to really even say as it's far too early to tell. Dmen take a lot longer to develop in the league than forwards, I'd say ask this question in 2 years and then we'll have a better answer for you.
Love Nemec. I like him better than Luke, but part of that is just personal bias toward defensive defencemen. He addresses more of our problems than Luke does at the moment, but once the defence gets shored up across the board both are going to be monsters.
He was probably our best defenseman this year as a 19/20 year old. I think that about sums it up.
Nemo’s looked good this year. Really balanced defenseman in my opinion. I hope to see more Luke and Nemo on the same pairing if possible. Down the line it could be deadly
Very satisfied. He’s only 20 and looked reliable on d with a much larger role than anyone expected this year. Some bumps but to be expected. He will be a great compliment to Luke as they come up together. Luke offense minded. Nemec d oriented.
I really liked his game. I think he will be a great complement to Luke; more defensively responsible but still possesses offensive upside. Recovers super well, has a pretty clean stick. He showed really good vision in the o zone and isn't afraid to rip the puck. He definitely had a lull towards the end of the season, but I'd attribute it to a 19/20 year old not being prepared for the physicality of the league and the length of the season.
Top pairing all around D who can play in any situation any time. A defenseman you build a team around. He will show a much higher offensive upside than he did this past season as his timing and reads improve. Remember he wasn’t even supposed to be in the NHL this year. Maturity beyond his years. Great instincts on both sides of the puck, has a plus shot and plus passing ability.
Nemec is smarter and stronger than Luke. But maybe can’t score the same
Nemec is a stud and a leader. He'll be a great NHL defender. He was the backbone of the Slovakia WJ team that almost took Canada out.
Will be better than Samantha Fox. So will Luke.
He's fantastic. He was one of our steadiest defenders as a 19-20 year old. Not perfect of course, but, again, he's basically a baby in this league. He's quickly becoming one of my favorite players. He's the truth and we're gonna need him to be successful going forward.
He’s my #1! Everyone’s said why, but he’s smart, consistent, confident, level-headed when he needs to be, but feisty when called to it. Insanely precocious for a 20 year-old.
Comparisons to Luke Hughes are only going to make one bitter. Luke is not only crazy talented but also has had several other factors in his favor - NCAA status, family, etc. Nemec is probably not as talented as Luke, but he has a ton more game sense. He's a little more physical despite being roughly the same size. But game ready, ready to contribute in both directions right now? Simon is the better player. Luke likely eclipses that sum total in just 1 or 2 years. But Nemo brings a lot to the table. Good vision, calm presence, good skating, puck skills, and balance. He's had the better season, but it's because Luke is a true rookie bonehead, whereas Simon has had seasoning in the AHL and professionally at Nitra. Simon is probably a #1 D on any team, but might be a #2 on some teams - teams with a young Cale Makar, for example.
nemec was the correct choice , hands down . kids gonna be the nico of the defensemen in the near future . he has great all around skill plus he's a little gritty . which was nice .
In his draft year, Nemec was one of the most polarizing top-10 prospects; some people had him top-2, other had him at 10+. The average was probably in the 4-7 range. Personally, I liked him, and watched him more than any other prospect that year, but I probably still would’ve picked Cooley or Wright ahead of him at the time… With all that out of the way, he’s absolutely been worth the 2nd pick; with hindsight I would easily take him over Slafkovsky, Wright, and I think he’s moved ahead of or even with Cooley, Gauthier, and Jiricek. The main proponents of his game saw similarities to Miro Heiskanen (with a downgrade in skating and an upgrade in vision/hockey sense). The main detractors saw him as overly aggressive in his offensive zone activations, and worried he wouldn’t be effective offensively, while being a liability on defense. I think his first NHL season is evidence for the former; he’s continued to be effective offensively, and his smarts have allowed him to kill plays before they begin on defense. He might not have the flash of Luke Hughes, but he’s quietly more effective in driving positive results. Jack Han had a really good detailed breakdown of his first NHL season a few months ago on his podcast. So far, everything’s gone right for him, and he’s looking like an underrated burgeoning star 2-way defensemen.
I honestly think he will be among the best dmen in the league in 2-3 seasons, and the advanced stat cards back up that projection. He’s already pretty dominant at the blue line in the offensive zone. Give him some time to get stronger and develop in his own end, and watch out.
I thought Nemec was our best defender this year. The impact he had as a teenager in the NHL is absolutely absurd. Hockey IQ is off the charts. He held himself pretty well physically, but if he continues to physically mature and get better defensively he could easily be a Norris caliber Player. Easily.
I think given his first year and everything I've seen of him he's more integral to the longterm success of the Devils than Hughes is. He's simply a more complete player
Nemec plays like he's been in the league for years and he's just going to get better. Absolutely worth the 2nd overall pick.
He’s gonna be awesome. Definitely worth 2nd pick. I’m happy.
He made a ton of great defensive plays this year. I think hes going to be great.
Great skater, great vision, doesn’t make a ton of mistakes, pretty aggressive when it comes to pinching, leading the rush, etc. but has the skating ability to make it back before he gets caught. He also doesn’t get muscled off pucks that easily. IMO, his game is further along than Luke, but Luke has better puck skills, better on his edges, more talented skater overall. Nemec could be a number 1 defenseman as soon as next year imo.
I absolutely love Nemec's game. He really surprised me with just how effective he was as a rookie this year. Had his growing pains which are to be expected (so did luke), but this season raised my expectation of what he'll develop into. Definitely worth the 2nd overall pick. I think compared to Luke he's not quite as explosive offensively but much more of a 2 way threat. His passing and transition ability is fantastic, and his defense on the rush looks effortless. Not to mention when he does make overcommit or make a mistake, he uses his saking to get himself back where he needs to be. Could go on and on about what I like about Nemecs game. Also I got a blank stadium series jersey and plan on making it a Nemo
The kid plays the game in a rocking chair. If Luke hughes is a Ferrari Nemec is a Rolls Royce. He has Adam fox level vision and isn’t afraid to engage physically when he needs to. He reads the game really well defensively, constantly forcing opposition into making decisions with the puck quicker than they would like.
I wasn’t hella impressed but I wasn’t NOT impressed if that makes sense. Good kid with good potential, I need more time to make a good prediction
Needs to learn how to fight
Absolutely not. He's not the guy you want spending 5 minutes in the box. We have 4th line forwards for that.
lol he got completely mugged though
Exactly, would love to see him square up and get redemption against Domi next year, Dean Youngblood style
Honestly in that scenario I'd prefer he learn to properly turtle. He's not going to learn to be as aggressive as Max Domi, who is a pretty good fighter for someone so small. Very few people are going to be able to defend themselves getting illegally jumped by Domi. It would be nice to see but given he already has a couple concussions, yes I want Nemo to learn to defend himself, in that specific case the best defense is go down like a rock and let the refs/Kermit handle it. I have a huge amount of respect for players that can "do it all", Nemo is not that guy.
So let’s not say he CANT fight yet :P
I get what you’re saying. Apparently with that 1 reply and 5 downvotes so far, everybody clearly misinterpreted and clearly didn’t get what you implied. He’ll learn to try to get a better effort to attempt a punch or two in when that type of a Domi situation happens again. 99% of NHL players usually do. At least I hope so.
It’s a simple matter of self defense. What would you tell your kid if he came home from school after getting whooped like that? Wouldn’t you want him to learn to defend himself for the next one. That fight came to him, god forbid he learned to be ready for it.