Devils finally make a move with Simon Nemec

Last month 2022 2nd overall pick Simon Nemec made it clear to media that he's not happy with the way his career is playing out with the New Jersey Devils and admitted that a trade demand could be coming soon.

Frustrated with being forced to play with the AHL's Utica Comets this season, Nemec said, “It’s a business, but…right now I can't remember any No. 2 draft pick that went to the farm for a third year.”

Nemec was then asked if he might request a trade, a similar tactic employed by fellow 2022 high draft pick David Jiricek, to which he replied, “It’s hard to say, it’s still too early to request a trade. If this situation continues, it will have to be addressed, but for now, this is how it stands. I believe I’ve proven multiple times that I belong in the NHL.”

Those are some pretty pointed comments to Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald and head coach Sheldon Keefe.

Put another way, "Play me in the NHL or i'll play for another team in the NHL."

Well, today the Devils officially announced that he has been recalled to the NHL.

The 20 year old defenseman has played just nine games for the Devils this season, playing 32 games with the team's AHL affiliate in Utica. It'll be interesting to see if the Devils keep him up in the NHL for the rest of the season because you can't imagine that he'll be too happy if/when they send him back down to the AHL.