Calgary Flames sign Slovak defenseman Simon Nemec to five‑year, $36.25 million contract

The Calgary Flames have completed a five‑year, $36.25 million deal with Slovak defenseman Simon Nemec, averaging $7.25 million per season and making him the franchise’s highest‑paid blueliner. Nemec, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, arrived from the New Jersey Devils after Calgary traded two first‑round picks, a second‑round pick and prospect Etienne Morin and also acquired forward Maxim Tsyplakov. In 68 games last season he posted 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) and has totaled 49 points since his NHL debut in 2023.

Nemec said he is “really happy and really excited for the next five years in Calgary,” and GM Craig Conroy praised the agreement as a good fit for both parties, noting the five‑year term aligns with the team’s plan to strengthen its defensive core and break a four‑year playoff drought. The contract also includes a modified no‑trade clause for the final year, allowing Nemec to veto moves to ten clubs of his choice.