The Montreal Canadiens should be on the hunt for blueline help this off-season. Their right side, in particular, could use a boost. When looking at trade candidates around the NHL heading into the off-season, New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec stands out as a very fascinating option for the Canadiens to consider. After being the subject of trade rumors leading up to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, Nemec is once again being viewed as a top trade candidate heading into the summer. With the Canadiens needing a right-shot defenseman, it would make sense if they kicked tires on him. At 22 years old, Nemec would have the potential to be a strong long-term fit on the Canadiens' roster. The 2022 second-overall pick has a ton of upside and has already shown promise early on in his NHL career. In 68 games this season with New Jersey, he set new career highs with 11 goals, 15 assists, and 26 points. If the Canadiens landed Nemec, he could slot nicely in their top four for many years to come. With the Canadiens being an exciting team on the rise, a young defenseman like Nemec could fit wonderfully on their roster. In 155 career NHL games with the Devils, Nemec has recorded 16 goals, 33 assists, and 49 points.
