Simon Nemec traded to Calgary Flames in multi‑pick deal

The Calgary Flames acquired Slovak defenseman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils in a trade that also sent forward Maxim Tsyplakov to Calgary. In return, New Jersey received conditional first‑round picks in 2027 and 2028 (top‑10 protected), a 2026 second‑round pick and prospect defenseman Etienne Morin.

Nemec, the 22‑year‑old second overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, posted 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points in 68 games with the Devils last season, bringing his career total to 16 goals and 33 assists in 155 NHL games. He is a restricted free agent as of July 1. The trade was announced on Tuesday, and Nemec said he learned of the move while cooking dinner at home in Slovakia, describing himself as “a bit shocked but in a positive way” and expressing excitement about joining a “good young team.”

Calgary hopes Nemec can add offensive upside to its blue line alongside fellow Slovaks Martin Pospíšil and Samuel Honzek, while the Devils aim to bolster their future draft capital.