Young NHL Defenseman Reportedly Feels Disrespected by Head Coach, Maple Leafs Urged to Strike Quickly
Photo credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Simon Nemec and the New Jersey Devils are reportedly feeling some tension according to a report from Slovakian hockey insider Tomas Prokop, and the Maple Leafs need to keep an eye out.
There have been several stories coming out this offseason about players who may be a bit slighted by their current teams, and feel like they deserve a raise, or more playing time.
We've seen Yegor Chinakhov boldly demand a trade meanwhile Marco Rossi and the Wild are still at a huge impasse when in comes to contract and lineup issues, but we can add another to the mix.
According to Slovakian hockey insider Tomas Prokop, New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec is feeling frustrated with his current role, and his relationship with head coach Sheldon Keefe seemed to have soured:
There's ongoing dialogue between Simon Nemec's representatives and the Devils' front office regarding his role and future with the team.
Word is the 21-year-old doesn't feel much trust and confidence from Sheldon Keefe, always being the first D-man the coach scratches or cuts his ice time.
Word is the 21-year-old doesn't feel much trust and confidence from Sheldon Keefe, always being the first D-man the coach scratches or cuts his ice time.
It would be a bit wild to see Nemec, a second overall pick in last year's draft already feel slighted after one season, but one season is all it takes some times.
Though, can you blame Keefe for benching him? He's 21, and second overall pick or not, the Devils need to win games. If Keefe felt he had better options, he runs the lineup.
Nemec, 21, had only 4 points this season with New Jersey in 27 games (2 goals, 2 assists) and a minus-10 in 14:59 TOI; a near five minute decrease from the previous season.
So if Nemec demands to head elsewhere, the Maple Leafs need to be paying close attention. Not only will they find their defenseman of the future, but what better way to stick it to former coach Keefe than by taking away his young promising blueliner.
The cost is going to be ridiculous though, as New Jersey is not going to make things easy for the Leafs and Brad Treliving. It will probably need to involve at least Easton Cowan or Ben Danford as a start, and that may not be enough.
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