Text from the NHL’s second overall pick about his old team: “No opportunity was given”
New Jersey Devils’ 2022 second overall pick Simon Nemec, 22, was traded this summer in the NHL. He moved to the Calgary Flames, with whom the Slovak defenseman later signed a five-year contract worth $36.25 million, guaranteeing the young player $7.25 million in annual earnings.
Nemec told The Hockey News about his trade. He is happy to start fresh in new surroundings.
– I don’t think I was able to play my best hockey. I wasn’t given the opportunity I wanted, and in the end, they decided it was best for me – and for them – that I be traded. And I’m happy about that, Nemec said.
The Devils had high expectations for Nemec. The team hoped to get a long-term star defenseman from him, but that goal was not realized. Nemec moved to North America immediately after the draft, which may have been too quick a jump into the unknown.
Last season, Nemec played 68 games with the Devils and recorded 11+15=26 points. Before that, he played partially in the minors over two seasons, and ice time in the NHL was not always available.
– I wanted to be the top defenseman, play on the power play, and everything. But two other players wanted to do the same, Nemec said, referring to Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton.
Now Nemec is eagerly awaiting a new opportunity in Calgary. He also sent a direct message to his former team, the Devils.
– I just want to prove to everyone that New Jersey was wrong.
Nemec has played a total of 155 games in the NHL over the last three seasons, with a scoring record of 16+33=49.
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