Top prospects for New Jersey Devils

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the New Jersey Devils, according to NHL.com.

1. Simon Nemec, D

How acquired:Selected with No. 2 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:Utica (AHL): 65 GP, 12-22-34

The right-handed shot (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) has had a solid summer of training after his first professional season. The 19-year-old had four points (one goal, three assists) in six American Hockey League playoff games and five points (one goal, four assists) in five games as captain for Slovakia at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.

"I think he really started to find a balance between appropriate times to get involved on the offensive side and the times to play a game that had a little more discipline to it," Utica coach Kevin Dineen said. "He has a skill set that you really want to encourage but part of that is experience and learning what it takes to be a successful player on a team. Meaning you're making decisions based sometimes on the score, on the time of the game, and who you might be out there against."

Projected NHL arrival:This season

2. Nolan Foote, F

How acquired:Trade with Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 16, 2020

2022-23 season: New Jersey (NHL): 6 GP, 1-0-1; Utica (AHL): 55 GP, 20-17-37

Foote (6-3, 196), chosen No. 27 by the Lightning in the 2019 NHL Draft, could seize a roster spot on New Jersey's "Identity line" with Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian after Miles Wood signed a six-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche on July 1. The 22-year-old has 86 points (41 goals, 45 assists) in 134 AHL games.

"Nolan has no problem with his identity as a player and how he's going to have success," Dineen said. "He has the ability to expand on his offensive side, but I think he's very aware that his ticket to Newark is through his size, commitment to defense, his physicality and the offensive side with it. I'm sure he smells opportunity and he'll come to camp ready to go."

Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Seamus Casey, D

How acquired:Selected with No. 46 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:University of Michigan (NCAA): 37 GP, 8-21-29

The right-handed shot (listed at 5-10, 180 pounds during development camp), who had 102 shots on goal and 24 blocked shots as a freshman, was named to the Big 10 All-Freshman Team and College Hockey News All-Rookie Team. The 19-year-old will likely return to Michigan in 2023-24 to become a stronger, faster and more mature player.

"The coaches are just so impressed with his hockey intelligence," Devils player development coach Eric Weinrich said. "He's a patient defensive player, not running around a lot, but he just kind of knows how to use his ability with the puck, when to jump, and when to hang back. It's impressive to watch him when he has the puck because he's just making guys miss. and that's one of the things that really stands out to me."

Projected NHL arrival:2025-26

4. Alexander Holtz, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 7 pick in 2020 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:New Jersey (NHL): 19 GP, 3-1-4; Utica (AHL): 14 GP, 6-5-11

The 21-year-old right wing (6-0, 195) is an effective playmaker and a strong candidate to play a middle-six role, also earning some time on the power play.

"He's very aware of the areas of his game that we have high expectations and he's willing to put in the work and the steps to getting to there," Dineen said. "Alex has great self-awareness and I think the commitment is there. I'm real positive he's going to be a contributor in this organization in the very near future."

Projected NHL arrival:This season

5. Jakub Malek, G

How acquired:Selected with No. 100 pick in 2021 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:Ilves (Liiga): 22 GP, 9-7-4, 2.15 goals-against average, .903 save percentage

Malek (6-4, 170) played in Finland's top professional men's league last season and impressed after playing the previous four seasons in Czechia's second division. The 21-year-old, born in Kromeriz, Czechia, was passed over in the 2020 NHL Draft and selected by the Devils the following year after a productive season with Vsetin in Czechia 2.

"He has good size and a good technical foundation in place," Devils director of goalie development Scott Clemmensen said. "He's athletic and quick but is still able to play with control and structure. His competitiveness is one of his best attributes and is very noticeable when you watch him play. He's also a confident puck handler who can make plays that impact the game."

Projected NHL arrival:2025-26