Devils Activate Simon Nemec From Injured Reserve

The Devils announced they’ve activated defenseman Simon Nemec from injured reserve. He will be in the lineup for tonight’s game against the Penguins. They’ve had an open roster spot for several days, so no corresponding move is required.

Nemec will take to the ice for the first time since sustaining a lower-body injury during a practice on Dec. 12. It’s the first NHL-level injury for Nemec, who’s had a rather spotless health record since being taken second overall in the 2022 draft.

In 12 games without Nemec, the Devils’ situation has gone from bad to worse. They have a 5-6-1 record in their last 12 while only scoring 1.8 goals per game. Nemec, one of their best puck-movers on the blue line, should help get their offense going. The 21-year-old is enjoying a long-awaited breakout campaign, leading New Jersey defenders in points per game (0.58) by posting seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 31 appearances. His +4 rating also leads Devils rearguards, although his middling possession numbers point to that figure being unfairly inflated.

While the team continues to grapple with Johnathan Kovacevic‘s knee injury that’s kept him out of action to date, Nemec’s return gives New Jersey its healthiest look on defense it’s had this season. He’s done a lot of work with Dougie Hamilton on the Devils’ second power-play unit, where he’ll slot back in tonight while being flanked by Brenden Dillon in third-pairing duties at even strength, per Sam Kasan of NHL.com.