As the 2026 NHL Draft unfolds into the third round, the Ottawa Senators continue to shape their roster with a clear strategy in mind. Steve Staios, the team's general manager, sticks to his plan by selecting forward Adam Nemec from the Sudbury Wolves, adding another promising piece to the Senators' puzzle.
Nemec's journey to this point is an intriguing one. He began the season playing professionally with HK Nitra in Slovakia, showcasing his skills on a larger European stage.
Midway through the year, he transitioned to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sudbury Wolves, where he quickly adapted to the North American style of play. In just 31 games, Nemec notched 14 goals and 35 points, demonstrating his ability to thrive on the smaller ice surface and against a different caliber of competition.
If the name Nemec rings a bell, it should. Adam is the younger brother of Simon Nemec, the Calgary Flames defenseman who was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils. The family pedigree certainly adds an interesting layer to Adam's own burgeoning career.
So, what does Adam Nemec bring to the Senators? He’s the kind of forward who’s always on the move, making defenders' lives a little more difficult.
His relentless energy on the forecheck, ability to reclaim pucks, and willingness to do the gritty, unheralded work make him a coach’s dream. These attributes might not always make the highlight reels, but they’re invaluable to any team looking to build a solid foundation.
The pressing question, however, is whether Nemec's offensive prowess will translate to the NHL level. While this remains a point of consideration, his competitive nature and knack for playing a strong defensive game ensure that he has a viable path to the big league, even if he doesn't become a top point-getter. His puck protection skills and comfort with physical play further bolster his case.
In the wake of moving on from Brady Tkachuk, the Senators appear focused on assembling a roster that's tougher to compete against. With the addition of skilled players like Eklund, Nemec offers a different, yet complementary, skill set. His selection aligns with Staios's weekend strategy, pinpointing players who fit the mold of what Ottawa is striving to build-a team that’s resilient, hard-working, and tough to play against.
This pick is a testament to Staios's vision and the scouting staff's diligent work, as they continue to craft a team that promises to be a formidable force in the NHL.
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Now comes the hard part for the Senators, who are expected to open talks on a new deal that could run four or five years. The number attached to that conversation is not small, with the sides likely circling a range in the neighborhood of $6 million to $6.5 million per season, a price that reflects both Zubs importance and the reality that Ottawa has to decide how much it wants to invest in keeping that pairing intact for the long haul. [Read more 🡒]