Devils’ Nick DeSimone Opens Up About the Reality of Being Waived

In an exclusive interview with The Hockey News, Devils defenseman Nick DeSimone opens up about the reality of being waived.

The New Jersey Devils claimed defenseman Nick Desimone, 29, off waivers from the Calgary Flames on Jan. 25.

The transaction meant the East Amherst, New York native was officially coming home to the east coast.

In the following weeks, he learned the ins and outs of a new schedule, routine, and city.

Ahead of the team's three-game road trip to California, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News sat down with DeSimone to learn more about what a player and their family go through when they are placed on waivers.

"I mean, initially, I think being waived is humbling in itself," he said. "Then being picked up is a good feeling. You get another chance in another organization."

The defenseman took Flannery through his day, starting with when he was notified.

"I was told I was being waived right before practice, and then I practiced for an hour. I left the rink and anxiously waited for 24 hours, going through different scenarios of what the next day would look like. You just sit, and you wait."

It is hard for players to be proactive in those 24 hours because, as DeSimone said, they don't know where they are going.

"I actually half-packed for a California road trip with Calgary's American Hockey League team because I did not want to be late if I had to get up and leave. I had some other things in order in case I was going somewhere else. You kind of prepare for both and stare at your phone."

The 29-year-old thought there was a chance he would be claimed but explained there are many factors teams need to consider, like injuries and cap space.

"There is so much involved with it. I tried not to play the game of who it could be. I thought I played well with Calgary, so I thought maybe if a team needed somebody, there would be a chance."

"You really never know," he continued. "That is kind of this world. You never know what tomorrow looks like."

The word he used was bittersweet when speaking about leaving Calgary, as he and his fiance liked their time in Stampede City.

"We really enjoyed it, so it was kind of a shock that in 24 hours, we weren't going to be there anymore."

One point he made was how much it affects not only the player but their family as well.

"It's a little bit harder when you get older. Obviously, (I) don't have kids or a dog, so that makes it easy. When you add those things in the fold with guys, then it is tough. A lot of moving parts."

"Sometimes, people don't realize how much goes in behind the scenes and how much other people bear," he continued. "A lot of lives are altered. Nobody is complaining about it. It is just the way business works."

DeSimone has not made his Devils debut but did participate in the family skate at MetLife Stadium as part of the 2024 NHL Stadium Series, something he had yet to experience in his career.

"I have never been a part of one. It was a cool day with the family and everything. My fiance was there, and to share that experience with her, and seeing (Curtis Lazar) and (Brendan Smith) with all the kids out there, it was a cool thing to have us do."

Desimone finally made it to California as the Devils face the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, March 1. The team will practice on Thursday at 12:30 P.M. PT at Honda Center.