Simon Nemec’s Breakout Season with the 2025-26 New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils selected Simon Nemec with the second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, and three years later, the young Slovak defenseman is finally delivering on that lofty promise. After a difficult sophomore campaign that saw him shuttled between the NHL and AHL, Nemec has emerged as one of the most compelling stories of the 2025-26 season. His transformation from a player fighting for ice time to a legitimate top-four defenseman showcases the patience and development process that championship contenders require.

The timing couldn’t be more critical for both Nemec and the Devils. With the team’s Stanley Cup window officially open and veteran defenseman Brett Pesce sidelined with an injury, Nemec has seized his opportunity with both hands. Through the first stretch of games this season, he’s already surpassed his entire point total from 2024-25, recording seven assists while averaging over 19 minutes per game. More importantly, his two-way game has matured significantly, making him an indispensable part of New Jersey’s blue line rotation.

How Simon Nemec overcame his sophomore slump for the 2025-26 New Jersey Devils campaign

Last season was a humbling experience for Nemec. After playing 60 games during his rookie campaign in 2023-24, the highly-touted prospect managed just 27 NHL appearances in 2024-25, recording a disappointing two goals and two assists. The numbers told a harsh story—a total goals above replacement (GAR) of -8.7, ranking among the bottom-10 rates for NHL defensemen. For a player selected ahead of talents like Logan Cooley and Juraj Slafkovský, these struggles raised legitimate questions about his development trajectory.

However, Nemec’s response to adversity revealed his character. Rather than sulking about his AHL assignment with the Utica Comets, he used the time to refine his defensive positioning and improve his decision-making with the puck. The work paid dividends during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where Nemec delivered a stunning redemption arc that foreshadowed his current success.

His playoff performance included a dramatic double-overtime game-winning goal against the Carolina Hurricanes, a moment that reinvigorated his confidence and reminded fans why the Devils selected him so high in the draft. After the season ended, Nemec made the strategic decision to skip the 2025 IIHF World Championship, instead focusing on recovering from a shoulder injury that had plagued him throughout the campaign and preparing his body for a make-or-break season.

The offseason work manifested during training camp and preseason, where Nemec dominated possession metrics with a 64.42% Corsi rating while being on the ice for eight Devils goals. His point-per-game preseason pace wasn’t just empty calories—he generated 54 scoring chances and four high-danger goals, displaying the offensive instincts that made him such an enticing prospect.

Simon Nemec’s breakout performance driving the New Jersey Devils’ 2025-26 success

The 2025-26 regular season has validated every bit of Nemec’s summer preparation. From the opening night victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he assisted on Connor Brown’s crucial second goal in a 5-3 win, Nemec has been a consistent offensive contributor from the blue line. His electric assist on Timo Meier’s deflection goal during the home opener at Prudential Center against the Florida Panthers demonstrated his improved vision and passing accuracy.

Nemec’s partnership with veteran defenseman Brenden Dillon has been particularly effective. Similar to the impact of the New Jersey Devils’ 2010s draft picks, this pairing balances youth and experience perfectly—Dillon provides the steady, stay-at-home presence that allows Nemec to activate offensively without leaving the Devils vulnerable defensively. The pairing has excelled in limiting high-danger chances against while generating quality offensive opportunities.

The defining moment of Nemec’s early season came against the Colorado Avalanche, where he recorded a three-assist performance in a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory. Playing a season-high 23:35 of ice time, Nemec set up Jack Hughes to give the Devils a 2-0 lead, assisted Brown’s breakaway goal in the second period, and played a crucial role in the overtime winner. This performance, coming against one of the league’s elite teams, announced Nemec as a legitimate force in the NHL.

“I feel really good. I’m showing some improvements on the ice…Still a lot of work ahead, I’m just trying to be better every day,” Nemec said in a recent interview, displaying the humble mindset that has fueled his resurgence.

His defensive game has evolved significantly as well. Nemec’s stickhandling in the defensive zone has become more confident, his gap control has tightened, and his ability to transition the puck cleanly out of danger has improved markedly. These aren’t flashy skills, but they’re the foundation of reliable two-way defensemen who can handle significant minutes in all situations.

Why the 2025-26 season represents a critical juncture for Simon Nemec and the New Jersey Devils

This season carries enormous implications for Nemec’s future with the organization. Playing on the final year of his entry-level contract with a cap hit of just $918,333, Nemec is essentially auditioning for his next deal with every shift. If his current trajectory continues, the Devils will face a pleasant dilemma—how much term and money to commit to a young defenseman who appears ready to anchor their blue line for the next decade.

The injury to Brett Pesce has elevated Nemec’s importance even further. Rather than being a nice complementary piece, Nemec has become essential to the Devils’ defensive depth. His ability to play significant minutes while maintaining effectiveness at both ends of the ice has allowed head coach Sheldon Keefe to deploy his forward units more aggressively, knowing the defense won’t collapse without constant babysitting.

Nemec’s name has been prominently mentioned in discussions about the Devils’ breakout candidates for 2025-26, and he’s delivering on those expectations. According to expert analysis from Pucks and Pitchforks, multiple analysts identified Nemec as the player most likely to take a significant step forward this season. That faith appears well-founded as he continues to build on his early success.

The Devils are thriving with Nemec on the ice, surrendering fewer shots against while generating more offensive zone time. His ability to make smart, responsible plays under pressure has eliminated many of the mental mistakes that plagued his sophomore campaign. This growth isn’t accidental—it’s the result of targeted development work in the AHL and a commitment to addressing his weaknesses.

The future of Simon Nemec’s breakout season with the 2025-26 New Jersey Devils

As the season progresses, Nemec faces the challenge of maintaining his elevated play over an 82-game schedule. The physical and mental demands of being a top-four defenseman in the NHL are substantial, particularly for a 21-year-old still learning the nuances of the professional game. However, his early-season performance suggests he possesses the maturity and conditioning to handle increased responsibility.

The Devils’ current eight-game winning streak has coincided with some of Nemec’s best hockey, which is no coincidence. His contributions have been integral to the team’s success, whether setting up goals, limiting quality chances against, or simply making the smart play to keep possession. These are the hallmarks of winning hockey, and Nemec is providing them consistently.

Looking ahead, if Nemec continues producing at his current pace, he could realistically finish with 30-35 points while playing sound defensive hockey. That production from a young, cost-controlled defenseman would represent tremendous value for the Devils and position Nemec as a cornerstone piece of their long-term plans. His selection to Slovakia’s preliminary Olympic roster demonstrates the international recognition of his improvements.

The contrast between Nemec’s 2024-25 struggles and his 2025-26 breakout illustrates the non-linear nature of player development. Not every prospect follows a straight trajectory from draft day to stardom, and patience often pays dividends. The Devils’ willingness to let Nemec work through his issues in the AHL rather than forcing him into NHL action he wasn’t ready for appears vindicated by his current success.

As New Jersey pushes toward playoff positioning in a competitive Metropolitan Division, Nemec’s emergence as a reliable two-way defenseman provides crucial depth and flexibility. His ability to play in all situations—5-on-5, power play, and penalty kill—makes him an invaluable asset for a team with championship aspirations. The second overall pick is finally looking like a second overall pick, and the timing couldn’t be better for both player and organization.

Simon Nemec’s breakout season for the 2025-26 New Jersey Devils represents more than just individual success—it’s validation of the franchise’s patient development philosophy and a critical piece falling into place for a team with Stanley Cup ambitions. If he maintains this trajectory, Nemec won’t just secure his roster spot and next contract; he’ll establish himself as a foundational player for years to come.