New Jersey Devils will recall former second-overall pick

According to NJ.Com’s Ryan Novozinski, 2022 second-overall pick Šimon Nemec is being recalled by the New Jersey Devils.

Nemec has yet to make his debut in the NHL, having spent the entirety of his North American pro career with the Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets. Also according to Novozinski, the Devils have placed defenseman Dougie Hamilton on injured reserve in a corresponding move.

The defensive depth of the Devils has allowed Nemec to develop in the AHL for over a year, a luxury many other teams would have been unable to afford. The 19-year-old right-shot blueliner was solid last season, playing a heavy dose of minutes and scoring 34 points in 65 games.

So far this season, Nemec has resumed his role near the top of the Comets’ defensive depth chart. Exceptional in the transition game, Nemec has gotten off to a fast start for Utica with eight points in just 13 games played. Nemec, who scored 17 points in a 19-game playoff run in the Slovak league during his draft year, has an Olympic Bronze medal and is likely ready for the NHL.

With defenseman Brendan Smith potentially facing supplemental discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety, Nemec could very well make his NHL debut in short order.