PATIENCE PAYS OFF: Simon Nemec called up to the NHL! He will face Slafkovský on Saturday

The New Jersey Devils have announced the call-up of Slovak defenseman Simon Nemec to their NHL roster.

This move comes as the team faces an injury setback with defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, who will be out for an extended period.Nemec has already made a notable appearance in nine NHL games this season, registering one assist. Prior to the call-up, he had been playing for the Utica Comets in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he showcased his offensive skills by accumulating 22 points in 32 games—5 goals and 17 assists.

In addition to his AHL performance, Nemec recently participated in the All-Star Challenge game on Monday, further highlighting his rising star in the hockey world.

Looking ahead, the Devils are set to take on the Vegas Golden Knights this Friday evening, followed by a match against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday at 7:00 PM CET. This will give Nemec the opportunity to face off against fellow Slovak player Juraj Slafkovský, who plays for Montreal. The upcoming match is expected to be a thrilling encounter for both Slovak players as they showcase their talents on the NHL stage.