On Devils' Nemec & Factors Driving His Slow Start

There seem to be a couple of reasons Simon Nemec has gotten off to a slow start to his 2024-25 season with the New Jersey Devils.

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The New Jersey Devils' defensive depth was much improved heading into the season and is already getting put to use. Most of it has been good, like Johnathan Kovacevic demonstrating he may be legit, and Seamus Casey showing his potential in spurts.

But not all of it has been great, as Šimon Nemec has gotten off to a slower-than-expected start. This is not a knock on Nemec. Nor does it mean he's trending in the wrong direction as a player, but he has struggled to begin 2024-25. Let's look at the very early sample and see what factors may be driving his slow start.

Nemec Not Near His 2023-24 Levels Yet

Injuries were a significant reason Nemec made his NHL debut earlier than most anticipated last season. I don't think many of us, myself included, had high expectations for him in 2023-24, but he shattered those pretty quickly.

With no Dougie Hamilton from late November on, when the Devils called up Nemec, he shined and excelled in a top-four role. He finished the season with a 52.28 expected goals share (xG%), and though he hit the rookie wall the last few weeks of the season, it appeared he was ahead of schedule in his development.

One of Nemec's strengths last season was his offensive ability, which was what made him a highly-touted prospect in the 2022 draft. The Devils averaged 2.99 expected goals per 60 minutes with him on the ice, though they gave a bit of that back, allowing 2.72 expected goals per 60 minutes.

Most everyone knew his defensive game needed improvement anyway, specifically his rush defense. Still, Nemec's offensive impacts were excellent. And by the eye, he showed high-end passing ability and offensive instincts.

The expectation this season was for Nemec to excel in a third-pair role since 1) Hamilton was back and healthy entering camp and 2) the Devils signed Brett Pesce in free agency to take over for John Marino.