Devils assistant general manager Dan MacKinnon agreed that Nemec's shot has improved.
"I think it's also a confidence thing," MacKinnon said. "You get in those spots, just zipping it through, where he was always comfortable just moving on before, so he's got more confidence in it. I think it's improving. Even (New Jersey player development coach) Eric Weinrich commented that he's seen improvement in his shot since he's been in Jersey; he gets to shooting locations quicker."
MacKinnon expects Nemec will play with Utica of the American Hockey League this season. In addition to getting acclimated to the North American rinks, the young defenseman could also work on his physical strength down low in the tough areas of the ice.
"One of the sayings that we use to describe him is he gets his work done early on the ice because he is such a quick read out there," MacKinnon said. "He gets back for pucks quick and knows what options A, B, and C, are. I think what Simon is referring to when describing areas he needs to improve is when you get down into the low heavy areas, being able to go body-on-body, separate and muscle guys, and understanding the smaller ice surface.
"That'll probably be what he really adapts to with some time in Utica this year."
Nemec's defense partner and roommate at the tournament, Nikita Okhotiuk (No. 61, 2019 NHL Draft), came to his aid 5:47 into the second period after Canadiens forward prospect John Parker-Jones (6-7, 230; undrafted) knocked Nemec to the ice on a hard check into the glass in New Jersey's end. Nemec appreciated the help.
"He's a really good guy, he's my roommate and it was great that he fought for me," Nemec said.
Nemec said he has no interest playing with Cape Breton, the junior club that holds his Canadian Hockey League rights. Instead, he wants to prove he's ready to turn professional out of training camp.
"We just feel with a young defenseman and unless they make an overwhelming case that they just are at the NHL level, that it's in his best interest to adjust to North American ice and spend some time in Utica," MacKinnon said. "No harm is going to come from that, so that's certainly the plan right now.
"He'll come to training camp and we'll see what happens, but we feel we're OK on the right side with the acquisition of John Marino (in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 16)."
Utica coach Kevin Dineen, who is coaching the Devils prospects, is excited to play a part in Nemec's development.
"He's a guy that has no lack of confidence and he's got such poise when the puck is on his stick and he defends well," Dineen said. "I was really impressed with his stick ... he's looking one way and passing the other. There's some deception to his game. He was a little surprised when we told him he was going to be on the power play (on Friday); but that was a solid game for him.
"It was certainly a great showing for Simon and the first step to his North American path that we're all excited to follow."
