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Top-Three Pick on the Verge of Demanding Trade Due to Lack of Trust With Coach

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 2:46 PM ET

Simon Nemec was once a can't miss prospect for New Jersey, but now it appears he could be ready to demand a trade due to a rift with Sheldon Keefe.

Back in the 2022 NHL Draft, many believed that the New Jersey Devils had landed a key piece of their blue line for the future, with the team using the No. 2 overall pick on the highly talented Simon Nemec.

Since that point, his development has gone well, but after getting into just 27 games a season ago with New Jersey, there have been question marks raised over his future.

In the AHL, he has produced well, tallying 5 goals and 23 points in 34 games with the Utica Comets last season, but now, the potential for a trade request from the 21-year old has increased exponentially.

According to reports, frustration grew last season with Nemec when Head Coach Sheldon Keefe didn't trust him in big moments, and as a result, Tomas Prokop is reporting that Nemec and his representatives have been discussing his future in New Jersey.

That doesn't mean that a trade request is imminent, but with a blue line that's still got Luke Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, Brendan Dillon and Brett Pesce occupying the top-four, it's safe to see why Nemec and his camp don't see a path to a significant role on this team.

This is certainly a scenario to monitor, as the Devils have their top-four set and could potentially see Nemec as expendable if things continue down their current path, but with the team needing young talent to help them take the next step, it will be very interesting to see how both sides handle this developing situation.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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