On Saturday night, the New Jersey Devils will play the Utah Hockey Club, marking the team's first visit to Salt Lake City.
Feb 23, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (17) warms up before a game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
At Friday's practice, the blue line saw noticeable changes. Luke Hughes was paired with Dougie Hamilton, and Brenden Dillon was paired with Simon Nemec, who will draw back into the lineup in Utah. Brett Pesce and Johnathan Kovacevic remained intact.
The club held an optional morning skate on Saturday at Delta Center, in which 13 players participated. Afterward, head coach Sheldon Keefe discussed Nemec's return to the lineup.
"You are hopeful he gets a little bit better each time that he is out," Keefe said NJD.TV. "We want to see him play to his strengths with the puck, help us get the puck moving up the ice for us, getting the puck out of our end and through the neutral zone.
"But any player, especially a defenseman, there has to be a foundation there defensively to end plays, protect the net," he continued. "That is what you want to see him focus on, and whenever he does that, a lot of his offensive strengths will be more at the forefront."
Nemec has had a difficult time since being called up to the NHL on Feb. 6. Over three appearances, he has been benched at various times and has not played since Feb. 22 against the Dallas Stars. Rookie Seamus Casey took his spot in the lineup over the last two games.
Keefe hopes that pairing the youngster with a veteran like Dillon will benefit him.
"Having a veteran (defenseman) beside him and talking to him who has made a career of being a good teammate and a veteran, reliable defender and competitor," Keefe said.
"I don't know Slovakian, so I will have to speak English with him as best I can," Dillon said to reporters with a smile. "(Nemec) is an eager guy who wants to come in and contribute. I think for myself, I try to pride myself on being able to play with all different kinds of partners. [...] To get to know him in camp and going over to Prague and his journey throughout the season has obviously been up and down. I think we could be a good pair. I think we would be able to complement one another.
"For myself, make him feel as comfortable as I can, and in turn, let him do his thing. Let him use his skill, talent, creativity," he continued.
Puck drop between the Devils and Utah Hockey Club will be 9:00 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on MSGSN or listen to it on the Devils Hockey Network`
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