Overview
- A Slovak outlet published a May 21 report saying defenseman Simon Nemec had requested a trade from the New Jersey Devils.
- Sources in New Jersey and Slovak insiders quickly disputed that claim and New Jersey Hockey Now reported GM Sunny Mehta has been in contact with Nemec and his agent.
- Nemec told reporters at his end-of-season exit interviews that he “would love to sign” in New Jersey, contradicting the idea he has asked to be moved.
- Nemec is a pending restricted free agent without arbitration rights and is expected to require a sizable pay raise, with public projections near $4.5 million on a bridge deal or roughly $8 million on a long-term contract.
- Because the Devils project limited cap space for 2026–27 and already carry large contracts, Nemec remains a realistic trade chip this summer even though he has not formally asked for a move, and prior false-translation episodes have repeatedly complicated reporting about his intentions.