Nemec Trade Interest Points to Devils Offseason Reset

Simon Nemec has drawn interest from at least three Metropolitan Division teams as a pending UFA this June.

Trade Rumors Surface in Metro Division

Russ Cohen stated on Sirius XM that the Devils could move Dougie Hamilton to reshape the blue line. The 32-year-old Hamilton carries a $9 million cap hit through 2027. Cohen contrasted that commitment with Nemec’s age and upside as reasons a deal could materialize.

NHLRumors.com reported Cohen’s comments directly from the June 11 broadcast. The segment highlighted that Nemec’s path in New Jersey has not been the smoothest. Multiple teams view the 22-year-old as an attractive target because of his talent and remaining control.

Cohen also floated a goalie swap involving Jacob Markstrom. The 36-year-old netminder posted a .901 save percentage in 2025-26. New Jersey holds Jake Allen on a $1.925 million deal but lacks a clear long-term option behind the primary starter.

Any Nemec trade would likely return a first-round pick or young forward. The Devils finished 15 points behind division-leading Carolina in 2025-26. Management appears focused on adding immediate skill rather than retaining all young assets.

Cap and Roster Implications

Nemec’s entry-level deal expires after the 2025-26 season. Retaining him would require a bridge deal near $4 million annually. That number competes with extensions for other restricted free agents on the roster.

Trading Nemec creates $4 million in immediate cap relief. The Devils could then pursue a veteran defenseman on a shorter-term pact. Hamilton’s contract remains immovable without retention, limiting flexibility.

Cohen noted the possibility of Florida acquiring Markstrom rights in a swap. Such a move would also allow New Jersey to shed salary. The combination of a Nemec deal and a goalie transaction could free more than $10 million.

The 15-point gap to Carolina underscores the urgency. Adding a proven top-four defenseman with the freed space addresses a clear weakness. Nemec’s departure would signal a shift toward win-now assets.

Forward Outlook for 2026-27

A prospective Nemec trade aligns with the Devils’ recent pattern of aggressive deadline moves. The organization has prioritized established contributors over prospect development in key positions. External interest validates Nemec’s market value at age 22.

If retained, Nemec would compete for top-four minutes alongside Luke Hughes. His offensive production reached 0.45 points per game in 2025-26. Yet the organization may decide the return outweighs the developmental upside.

The July 1 free-agency period will test these calculations. Teams with cap space in the Metro stand ready to offer term and money Nemec cannot receive in arbitration. A first-round pick acquired in return would replenish the prospect pool depleted by prior trades.