- Simon Nemec says Canadian fans carry more passion than what he saw in New Jersey
- Calgary signed the 22-year-old to a five-year, $36.25 million extension in July
- Read below for what Nemec said about chasing the No. 1 power play in Calgary
Simon Nemec is about two weeks into life in Calgary, and the Canadian part of the move is what he keeps circling back to.
The 22-year-old defenseman met with reporters at the Flames’ Celebrity Charity Golf Classic on Thursday and got asked what he is looking forward to most about playing in a Canadian market.
“I can’t wait for the start. It’s different, it’s Canada. I feel like the fans have more passion here, it’s going to be a little different, but I’m really excited.”
That is the line Calgary was waiting to hear from its $7.25 million defenseman. Here is the full availability:
Nemec became a Flame on June 23, when New Jersey sent him and Maxim Tsyplakov west for Etienne Morin, a 2026 second-round pick and conditional first-rounders in 2027 and 2028. He signed a five-year, $36.25 million extension on July 6, a $7.25 million cap hit. That is not what a team pays for a depth defenseman.
His last year in New Jersey produced 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games at 19:40 a night, and 10 of those goals came at even strength, most among Devils defensemen. The man advantage was the sore spot. Nemec sat third in line behind Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes and got 1:14 of power-play time a game.
He was direct about wanting that fixed when he spoke to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti at the European Player Media Tour in August.
“I want to be on the No. 1 power play. I think Calgary can offer me that. I need to fight for that, but I will be ready for it.”
Settling in has been easier with two countrymen already in the room. Martin Pospisil and Sam Honzek have handled tour-guide duty since Nemec landed, down to restaurant picks and house hunting. Pospisil was asked by Flames.com how the new guy is adjusting.
“I told him about Calgary, how great the city is, the fans. I think he’s already comfortable, and he’s really excited for this opportunity.”
Calgary has missed the playoffs four years running and went 34-39-9 last season, which is a big reason the projections have them near the bottom again. Nemec, who called his exit from New Jersey a relief when the trade went through, thinks the room is further along than the record says.
Asked where he thinks this group is headed, he kept it short: “I feel like the team can be really good in the next couple of years.”
He gets his first real taste of that Canadian noise when the Saddledome opens its farewell season.
