Report: Devils Could Move One Or Both Of Their Promising Defensemen
With Johnathan Kovacevic recently signing a five-year extension and Brett Pesce locked in for the same length, the right side of New Jersey’s defense is crowded. Dougie Hamilton, who still has three years left on his contract, adds another obstacle for Nemec and Casey to claim full-time NHL roles.
Fitzgerald acknowledged the situation but remained noncommittal about their future, stating, “When you have good, young prospects, you’ve got options.”
Alright, I got excited. Here’s my top 5 (6) #NJDevils prospects as of March 12, 2025
— Shark Week (@WarkSheek) March 12, 2025
1. Seamus Casey
Yup, Irish Pride is # 1. With the Devils, he’s been excellent in a limited role, and quite good as a top guy in Utica, too. No rush on him, but he looks fundamentally gorgeous. pic.twitter.com/aq6oN0Djph
The Devils were in the market for a high-impact forward before the trade deadline but fell short. With more time to negotiate this summer, Nichols speculates that Fitzgerald could use Nemec or Casey as trade chips to strengthen the team’s top six.
Nemec, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, previously dismissed trade rumors, but that was before Kovacevic’s extension further complicated his path to a full-time NHL role.
Meanwhile, Casey has already been reassigned to AHL Utica, where he will likely remain for the rest of the season.
There’s no doubt that Simon Nemec has mightily struggled this season, to the tune of some of the worst underlying metrics in the NHL.
— Daniel Amoia (@daniel_amoia) March 13, 2025
But let’s not forgot that he held his own coming into the league as a 19 year old.
That version of him is still there somewhere.#NJDevils pic.twitter.com/RBBTCVLvHM
New Jersey is only a piece or two away from becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, and Fitzgerald may be more willing to part with one of his young defensemen to make that happen. While the Devils' preference has been to develop their blue-line prospects, the team’s cap situation and immediate needs could force their hand.
With Nemec and Casey’s long-term future in New Jersey uncertain, their names will likely surface in trade discussions as Fitzgerald looks for ways to reshape the roster this summer.
Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
