The New Jersey Devils dug themselves into an unnecessary hole by composing their defense the way they have, but the best move going forward is managing the logjam correctly.
The correct way, for better or for worse, is to leave a $20 million investment in the owner's box in favor of top defense prospect Simon Nemec, who, while still experiencing growing pains, should very much still be a part of the franchise's long-term plans at the position.
On Monday, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that Nemec, 21, would replace veteran defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic, who just signed a five-year, $20 million extension with New Jersey last spring, in the lineup ahead of their game against the Calgary Flames.