Simon Nemec seeks to prove New Jersey Devils wrong after Calgary Flames trade

NHL defenseman Simon Nemec has expressed his desire to prove the New Jersey Devils wrong following his recent trade to the Calgary Flames. The 22-year-old Slovakian defender, who was selected second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, recently signed a five-year contract with Calgary worth $36.25 million, which includes a $7.25 million annual cap hit.

Nemec stated that he felt he was not given the opportunity to play his best hockey in New Jersey. He noted that competition for top defensive roles and power-play time from players such as Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton made it difficult to secure the primary role he desired.

After moving to Calgary, Nemec aims to utilize the fresh start to demonstrate his value. He noted that while his transition to North America was rapid, he is excited about the new environment and the opportunity to play a larger role in the Flames' lineup.