Finding Nemo: Three potential trade destinations for Simon Nemec
Nemec’s name surfaced at the trade deadline, and these teams could make sense if Sunny Mehta moves him.
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The New Jersey Devils listened on defenseman Simon Nemec leading up to the trade deadline.
The team has since moved on from Tom Fitzgerald, but I’m not sure that’ll change Nemec’s outlook.
Sunny Mehta has emphasized loading the roster with players who consistently outscore opponents, and Nemec doesn’t exactly fit the criteria.
He owns the worst per-60 goal differential among NHL defensemen over the last two years.
While he’s still young enough to improve, it stands to reason Nemec may not be looked at as a long-term core piece by Mehta.
If that’s the case, here are a few landing spots that could make sense:
San Jose
The Sharks have been linked to seemingly every notable defenseman over the past year – and for good reason.
John Klingberg and Vincent Desharnais are their ‘top’ right-handed defenseman and both are slated to become unrestricted free agents.
Nemec would help address a huge need and he’d fit in with their young core.
The Sharks have a lot of talent up front as is. It’s also possible, if not likely, they’ll add another impact forward with the 2nd overall pick.
They could look to move from their surplus at forward to address the blueline, and William Eklund may be more available than he should be.
I’d have to think the talented, young winger – fresh off his second straight 50+ point season – would be of interest.
