- The Calgary Flames acquired defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov from the New Jersey Devils
- New Jersey received two conditional first-round picks, a 2026 second-rounder, and prospect Etienne Morin in the deal
- See below for the full trade breakdown and what Nemec brings to Calgary’s blue line
The Calgary Flames pulled the trigger on a big trade Monday, acquiring defenseman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils.
Elliotte Friedman broke the news:
The Flames sent back a conditional 2027 first-round pick (originally Vegas), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (originally Colorado), a 2026 second-round pick (originally the Rangers), and defenseman prospect Etienne Morin. Both first-rounders are top-10 protected.
Along with Nemec, Calgary also picks up 27-year-old right winger Maxim Tsyplakov, who had four points in 49 games for New Jersey last season.
Take a look at the Flames’ official announcement:
Nemec, 22, was the No. 2 overall pick in 2022 and posted a career-best 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 68 games this season. Across 155 career games with the Devils, the Slovak blueliner has 49 points.
He’s set to become a restricted free agent on July 1 after completing his entry-level deal. New Jersey’s motivation looks straightforward: the Devils need cap room to re-sign Nico Hischier, and paying Nemec’s next contract would have made that tighter.
Calgary gets a young, mobile defenseman they can lock up on a bridge deal or long-term extension. Nemec slots into a blue line that’s been searching for a top-four presence, and he’s still only 22 with room to grow.
The cost was steep. Two conditional first-rounders and a second-rounder is a lot to move out, even with top-10 protection on both firsts. But for a rebuilding Flames team, the bet is that Nemec develops into a cornerstone piece worth more than late first-round picks would produce.
Morin, 21, was Calgary’s second-round pick (No. 28) in 2023 and hasn’t played an NHL game. He’s a depth prospect moving the other way, not the centerpiece of the return.
The Devils walk away with significant draft capital and the flexibility to keep their core together. Nemec gets a fresh start in Calgary where he should see bigger minutes and a real opportunity to establish himself as an NHL top-four defenseman.
