Simon Nemec, the 22-year-old defenceman acquired by the Calgary Flames on June 23, 2026, is eager for a fresh start and increased playing time after being traded from the New Jersey Devils. Nemec, the second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, was dealt to Calgary along with Maxim Tsyplakov in exchange for a package of draft picks and Etienne Morin.
Nemec Excited for Opportunity with Flames
“I just need to be ready for bigger ice time. That’s obviously what I want, so I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Nemec said. He will likely slot into a top-pairing role alongside Kevin Bahl, a significant upgrade from his limited minutes in New Jersey, where he averaged the ninth-most power-play time on the team.
Nemec’s connection to Calgary runs through fellow Slovaks Martin Pospisil and Sam Honzek, who were among the first to know about the trade. “I know them very well,” Nemec said. “They were actually the first people I texted, so they know before everyone else.”
Trade Details and Draft Pick Haul
The Flames surrendered a substantial package of draft picks to acquire Nemec: a 2027 first-round pick originally from the Vegas Golden Knights, a 2028 first-round pick from the Colorado Avalanche, and a 2026 second-round pick from the New York Rangers. Despite the cost, the Flames view Nemec as a cornerstone blueliner with top-pairing potential.
“I feel like knowing some Slovak guys there, it’s going to really help me. I wanted a fresh start and it’s here, so I’m really excited,” Nemec added.
Flames GM Confident in Roster Fit
Flames general manager Craig Conroy expressed confidence that Nemec can coexist with the team’s other young right-shot defencemen, Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz. Conroy noted that Parekh has shown comfort playing on the left side, which opens up a spot for Nemec on the right.
“I’ll start with Zayne, he really enjoyed playing on the left side and thought he played his best hockey at the end of the year when he was on the left side with (Zach) Whitecloud,” Conroy said. “If he feels comfortable on the left, it doesn’t mean he’s always going to play there but we can put him over there, so getting another right-shot D made more sense. If Zayne said he could only play right, that’s one thing, but he actually enjoyed playing on the left more. Hunter, that’s another young player who is coming up and he’s going to be battling for those positions.”
Nemec’s Performance and Potential
Nemec finished the 2025-26 season with 11 goals and 15 assists despite limited power-play opportunities. Conroy revealed that Flames scouts often felt Nemec was the Devils’ best defenceman during the season. With increased ice time and a likely role on Calgary’s top power-play unit, his offensive production is expected to rise.
The trade marks a significant move for the Flames as they add a high-upside defenceman to their core, aiming to bolster their blue line for the upcoming season.
