Simon Nemec Shines for Slovakia in Olympic Upset Run - and the Devils Are Watching Closely
The New Jersey Devils sent a handful of players to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and one of their youngest is making some serious noise on the international stage. Simon Nemec, the 21-year-old defenseman from Slovakia, is turning heads - and not just because of his smooth skating or crisp passes. He’s helping engineer one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.
Slovakia wasn’t supposed to be in the mix with the big boys. Heading into group play, all eyes were on Sweden and Finland - two traditional powerhouses stacked with NHL talent.
Slovakia? They were seen as long shots.
But no one told Nemec and company.
It started with a statement win: Slovakia stunned Finland 4-1, and Nemec played a key role, tallying a primary assist on the goal that put the game out of reach at 3-1. That wasn’t just a momentum swing - it was a message. Slovakia had come to compete.
After squeaking out a 4-3 win over Italy in a game that was closer than expected, Slovakia found themselves in a position no one predicted: within reach of winning the group. All they had to do was keep things close against Sweden - a team featuring a loaded blue line with names like Rasmus Dahlin, Erik Karlsson, and Victor Hedman.
Nemec, lining up as Slovakia’s top-pair defenseman, didn’t shrink from the moment. In fact, he elevated his game.
He logged another primary assist, this time setting up fellow 2022 draft pick and close friend Juraj Slafkovsky for a goal that tied the game at 1-1. Sweden eventually pulled away for a 5-3 win, but the final goal - scored by Dalibor Dvorsky with just 39 seconds left - was celebrated like a game-winner.
And for good reason. That late tally could be the difference in Slovakia securing a first-round bye to the quarterfinals, depending on how Finland finishes against Italy.
For Nemec, this tournament has been about more than just representing his country - it’s been a showcase of growth. He’s looked poised, confident, and offensively dangerous, flashing the kind of upside that made him the No. 2 overall pick in 2022. He’s not just logging minutes - he’s making plays that matter.
This couldn’t come at a better time for the Devils. Nemec started the NHL season strong, playing with maturity beyond his years and helping New Jersey to a few key wins early on.
But after an injury sidelined him, he struggled to regain his rhythm. Now, with his Olympic performance reminding everyone of what he’s capable of, the hope is that he’ll bring that same energy back to Newark when the tournament wraps up.
Of course, Slovakia’s run isn’t over yet. Finland still has to take care of business against an Italian team that’s been more competitive than expected, and Slovakia will need to avoid any slip-ups in the knockout rounds. But if Nemec continues to play at this level, it’s not just Slovakia that stands to benefit.
The Devils have been patient with Nemec, understanding that defensemen often take time to develop. But what we’re seeing in Milan is a player who’s starting to put it all together - confidence, creativity, and control.
He’s not just holding his own against the world’s best. He’s driving play.
And if this is the version of Simon Nemec the Devils get down the stretch, it could be a game-changer.