Devils GM Reveals The Team Doesn't Need Recent Top Draft Pick

The New Jersey Devils have invested in building their defense in recent drafts. Players like Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec have completely changed the projection for the group. Now new comments from General Manager Tom Fitzgerald have cooled expectations on one of these top players.

The New Jersey Devils drafted Simon Nemec second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. Since then Nemec spent the 2022-23 season in the AHL with the Utica Comets. In his 65 games of AHL action he had 34 points. Nemec was also the captain of Team Slovakia at the most recent World Junior Championships where he had 5 points in 5 games.

Nemec's strong play this past season has left many wondering where he will play to start 2023. Recently Devils General Manager spoke about this and had some interesting comments.

These comments are very positive toward Nemec's development. He will get a shot to make the Devils roster but if he is not ready he will head back to the AHL.

The Devils have a good group on the back end. Highlighted by players like Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, Jonas Siegenthaler, and John Marino the defensive group is definitely capable of playing winning hockey. Where they may struggle is their depth.

Beyond the four mentioned the depth of the Devils' defense is a bit suspect. Players like Kevin Bahl, Colin Miller, and Brendan Smith have all played NHL minutes before on good teams but are inconsistent. This is where Nemec could find his way into the lineup to get some of his first NHL action.

Either way, the Devils are set for a long time on defense with pillars like Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec. Whether it is this year or five years from now Nemec will get his shot to prove why he was selected in the top five of the NHL Draft.

As Read On - New Jersey Hockey Now - Fitzgerald: Devils «Don't Need» Nemec to Make the Roster

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Jack Sutherland Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES