Second Overall Draft Pick Defenceman Could Be Available Tor Trade, Oilers Could be Interested

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Liam McCormick
October 31, 2024 (3:44 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers are in the market for a high-impact defenceman to acquire in trade this season, and one interesting candidate may be available.

The New Jersey Devils have scratched defenceman Simon Nemec for four straight games now, and now hockey analyst RonoAnalyst believes that he could be available for trade.

Nemec was selected second overall in the 2022 draft by the New Jersey Devils. The 6'1 right shot defenceman has been highly praised for his complete game, showing the ability to make offensive plays and be a shutdown defender. In 60 games last season, Nemec recorded 19 points and a -7 on ice rating, but showed flashes of elite play.

Nemec has already played in 69 career NHL games, but seems to have lost his roster spot to a number of veteran blueliners on the Devils. As a team that could he a Cup Contender this year with new coach Sheldon Keefe, the Devils may place more importance on the vets rather than Nemec.

If Nemec becomes frustrated with the lack of opportunity on the Devils, he may request that they trade him to another team. The Oilers are looking for an established top four defenceman for this year's playoff run, but Nemec could come with a much higher ceiling and be a cost-controlled player for years to come. He'd surely come at a steep price to pay in a trade and there's a risk of how he pans out as a player, but to acquire an elite defence prospect, the Oilers should be considering it.

The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly aggressively pursuing a trade right now, potentially striking early to fix their blue line before the trade deadline. We'll see if the McDavid injury affects the team's desperation level to improve, or if they stick to the plan and wait until the deadline.