Last week, Slovak defenseman Šimon Nemec was sent from the NHL New Jersey Devils to the Utica Comets in the AHL.
news-item-description">The New Jersey Devils sent Šimon Nemec to the AHL farm on Thursday. However, coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that this decision was made a long time ago and explained why he still waited with his mission below.
The native of Liptovský Mikuláš played in 9 NHL games this year, in which he recorded one assist, but after the return of Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes after injuries, he lost his place in the lineup and watched the Devils’ six duels only from the stands.
In the past few days, overseas media speculated about his transfer to another club, and the Montreal Canadiens, where Juraj Slafkovský works, were also mentioned. Šimon Nemec has played 69 games in the NHL so far with a record of 3+17.
The number two draft pick from 2022 is currently playing for the Utica Comets, currently the absolute worst team in the farm AHL. He returned there after almost a year, as last season New Jersey called him up from the farm at the beginning of December, and from then until now he managed to stay in the first team.
The president of SZĽH Miroslav Šatan also commented on the current situation of Šimon Nemec: “It will probably be better for him to play a lot of minutes in the AHL in this situation than to sit and watch NHL games. After all, a phone call can come every day, someone can get injured or play worse.
I don’t think this is a long-term condition for Šimon. It is important to be positive even in such a period, to persevere and something will definitely happen. I believe that this is only a temporary situation,” said the president of the hockey association and the general manager of the Slovak national team in an interview with the Šport newspaper.
Šimon Nemec: From NHL to AHL – A Journey of Comedy and Resilience!
Well, well, well! It seems our Slovak defenseman, Šimon Nemec, has taken a little detour on his way to hockey stardom! Last week, fans blinked and suddenly he was riding the “express train” to the AHL’s Utica Comets. I mean, it’s like he hopped off the highway of fame straight into the backroads of who-cares! Can anyone say “farm team” without a hint of irony?
Now, let’s get a few things straight. The New Jersey Devils decided to send Nemec packing to the AHL, but hang on—Coach Sheldon Keefe was apparently playing puppet master behind the scenes. Rumor has it, this decision was crafted long, long ago in a land far, far away (probably whilst drinking a non-fat mocha latte). So why the delay, Sheldon? Did you think he was going to magically transform into Bobby Orr overnight?
During his stint at the big kids’ table in the NHL, Nemec played nine whole games, racking up a scintillating one assist. Bravo! A stat line that makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something just by getting up and getting a drink. But then, as if scripted by the most tragic playwright, the return of legends Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes meant that Nemec was about as useful as a chocolate teapot. He ended up watching six consecutive games from the stands, which is basically the same as attending a family barbecue where no one remembers your name.
Overseas, the speculation on his future became sportier than a game of “Where’s Waldo?” with rumors swirling about a potential transfer to the Montreal Canadiens. Because, apparently, when you’re not noticed at one club, your best bet is to try your luck with another! Juraj Slafkovský might have been smiling—hopefully not too broadly—thinking “Hey! Maybe we’ll start a Slovak bloodline in Montreal!”
But back to the reality: Nemec’s stats so far sit at a mere 3 goals and 17 assists over 69 NHL games. At this rate, he needs to get a GPS installed just to find where he’s actually playing! And now, the Utica Comets—who have taken the title of the “absolute worst” team in the AHL? Let’s call them the “team with great character” as they go about their “developmental exercises.”
And in a twist that could inspire a feel-good movie, the president of the Slovak Ice Hockey Association, Miroslav Šatan, chimed in with a pep talk that could have made even the most cynical gym teacher proud. “Better to play a lot of minutes in the AHL than to sit and watch NHL games,” he said. It’s like suggesting that spending your evening cleaning the kitchen is preferable to watching your favorite show. Come on, Miroslav! Give the guy a break! But he does have a point—there’s always a call from the NHL around the corner as injuries play hopscotch with lineups.
So, fear not, hockey fans! Šimon Nemec’s current condition may not be ideal, but it’s hardly the end of the world. Let’s keep those positive vibes on standby! Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that the road to glory is often paved with detours that make us stop for snacks. And eventually, he’ll be back where he belongs, scoring goals instead of collecting dust bunnies on a bench.
In the meantime, let’s hope he takes this opportunity in the AHL to channel his inner Auston Matthews and come back with the gusto of a caffeinated raccoon at a midnight buffet!
news-item-description">Last Thursday, the New Jersey Devils opted to assign Slovak defenseman Šimon Nemec to the Utica Comets, their AHL affiliate. Coach Sheldon Keefe clarified that this decision was not made hastily, revealing that it had been contemplated for some time, which explains the timing of his announcement.
During the current NHL season, Nemec participated in nine games, contributing one assist to the Devils. However, with the recent returns of key players Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes from injuries, Nemec saw his opportunities dwindle and subsequently spent the last six games as a spectator in the stands.
There was considerable speculation among overseas media regarding a potential trade for Nemec, with the Montreal Canadiens, home to fellow Slovak Juraj Slafkovský, frequently mentioned as a possible destination. To date, Nemec has competed in 69 NHL games, accumulating a total of three goals and 17 assists.
As he reclaims a spot on the ice with the Utica Comets, it is worth noting that the team is currently struggling, holding the unfortunate title of the worst team in the AHL. This marks Nemec’s return to the Comets after almost a year; he began the previous season with the team before being called up by New Jersey at the start of December, where he managed to secure a roster spot until now.
The president of the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation, Miroslav Šatan, weighed in on Nemec’s situation, expressing optimism about the benefits of playing significant minutes in the AHL rather than remaining benched in the NHL. He noted that opportunities can arise unexpectedly, with injuries or performance issues potentially leading to a call-up at any moment.
“I don’t think this is a long-term condition for Šimon. It is important to be positive even in such a period, to persevere and something will definitely happen. I believe that this is only a temporary situation,” Šatan remarked during an interview with Šport newspaper, emphasizing the need for patience and resilience in the face of challenges.
**Interview with Miroslav Šatan, President of the Slovak Ice Hockey Association, on Šimon Nemec’s Transition to the AHL**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Miroslav. Let’s dive right in—what are your thoughts on Šimon Nemec being sent to the Utica Comets from the New Jersey Devils?
**Miroslav Šatan:** It’s a situation that many young athletes experience—sometimes, stepping back is necessary for further growth. Playing in the AHL can be more beneficial for Šimon right now than watching games from the stands in the NHL.
**Interviewer:** Coach Sheldon Keefe mentioned that this decision was made a while ago. How do you view the timing of this transfer?
**Miroslav Šatan:** It’s important in professional sports to plan strategically. Coach Keefe was likely weighing all options to make the best decision for Šimon’s development. The timing might seem curious, but it ensures that Šimon can get valuable playing time instead of being a spectator.
**Interviewer:** With the speculation about his potential transfer to other teams, like the Montreal Canadiens, how do you think this affects his mindset as a player?
**Miroslav Šatan:** As a young player, it’s crucial to stay focused on personal improvement rather than external rumors. While those speculations can be distracting, I believe Šimon will keep a positive outlook and work hard in Utica. Opportunities can arise from any direction, often unexpectedly.
**Interviewer:** He had limited ice time in the NHL, recording 1 assist in 9 games this season. Can you share your thoughts on how this transition could help his game?
**Miroslav Šatan:** Absolutely. Playing more minutes in the AHL will allow him to develop his skills, build confidence, and find his rhythm on the ice. I encourage him to use this time to refine his game and come back stronger and more mature as a player.
**Interviewer:** Given that Utica is struggling as a team, how can Šimon make the most of this opportunity despite the challenges?
**Miroslav Šatan:** It’s important to remember that even on a struggling team, individual growth is possible. Šimon can take the lead in the team, work on his role, and prove himself by consistently performing to the best of his ability. This is a chance for him to shine even when the team faces obstacles.
**Interviewer:** Any final thoughts or messages for Šimon as he embarks on this journey with the Comets?
**Miroslav Šatan:** Stay positive and focused, Šimon! Remember that every athlete faces ups and downs, and perseverance is key. This isn’t a long-term setback; it’s a stepping stone in your career. Continue to work hard, and you will find your path back to the NHL.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Miroslav. We look forward to seeing how Šimon’s journey unfolds!
**Miroslav Šatan:** Thank you! I’m excited to see how he progresses as well.
