Finding Nemo a New Home: Simon Nemec is asking for HOW MUCH?

Zach Berman opens the episode by reacting to a report that Simon Nemec, a restricted free agent defenseman, is allegedly asking the New Jersey Devils for a contract starting at a $10 million annual average value. Zach Berman finds this figure surprising and excessive, especially for a player who, in his assessment, has not lived up to the expectations of a former number two overall draft pick. He details Nemec’s inconsistent performance, pointing to both flashes of brilliance and ongoing struggles with play style and reliability. Zach Berman suggests that such a high ask could lead to Nemec being traded, rather than retained by the team. The discussion then shifts to Nemec’s trade value and market perception. Zach Berman notes that while some NHL general managers still believe in Nemec’s upside, he personally remains skeptical about Nemec’s future as a top-tier defenseman. He speculates about potential trade partners, mentioning the New York Islanders’ reported interest but emphasizing the likely high asking price in any division-internal deal. There’s also debate among fans about the idea of swapping Nemec for Anaheim’s Mason McTavish, a young center, but Zach Berman is critical of McTavish’s inconsistencies and questions whether that trade would benefit the Devils. Later, Zach Berman analyzes a recent trade between the Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks involving right-handed defenseman Michael Kesselring. He points out that Kesselring, a reliable but not superstar-level defenseman, fetched significant value on the market, highlighting a possible opportunity for the Devils to garner a similar return if they decide to move one of their own right-handed defensemen. Zach Berman touches on the Devils’ depth at the position and speculates on whether veterans like Dougie Hamilton could also be on the move, given the current market dynamics. The episode concludes with reflections on the overall NHL trade landscape, Zach Berman’s desire to see bold, unexpected moves from GMs, and a review of Corey Pronman’s seven-round mock draft, focusing on potential Devils selections. Zach Berman highlights the calm before the storm of offseason activity, encourages fans to stay tuned for updates, and wraps with sponsor acknowledgments and reminders for listeners to engage with the Locked On Devils community. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.