Full Breakdown
Calgary Flames Acquire Defenseman Šimon Nemec in Blockbuster Trade with New Jersey Devils
6/24/2026, 1:44:04 AM
Trade Details – Core Transaction
On June 23 2026 the New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Šimon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames. Calgary returned a 2027 first-round pick (Vegas, top-10 protected), a 2028 first-round pick (Colorado, top-10 protected), the No. 35 overall 2026 second-round pick (originally New York Rangers) and prospect Etienne Morin.
Background & Context – Cap Constraints, GM Change, Team Status, Player Profiles
Both clubs missed the 2025-26 playoffs; the Devils (42-27-3) hired Sunny Mehta as GM on April 16 2026 after firing Tom Fitzgerald. With $13.2 million cap space and a crowded blue line, New Jersey could not justify a long-term, $8-$9 million contract for Nemec, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022. Calgary, holding seven first-three-round picks for the 2026 draft, sought a right-handed blueliner to strengthen its defense.
Data & Statistics – Performance and Pick Details
Nemec posted career-best 11 goals, 15 assists (26 points) in 68 games (19:40 TOI) in 2025-26, with a –11 plus/minus and 3.19 goals-against per 60 minutes at five-on-five. Tsyplakov recorded two goals, two assists in 49 games and carries a $2.25 million AAV. Morin, a 2023 second-round pick, logged one goal, seven points in 42 AHL games.
Why It Matters – Strategic Impact
The Devils acquire three high-value draft assets and cap relief, enabling them to pursue top-six forwards or retain forward Nico Hischier. Calgary adds a young, offensively skilled right-handed defenseman who can fill a top-pair or power-play role, addressing a persistent need on the right side.
Official Statements & Responses – Organizational Views
The Flames described the deal as a strategic use of surplus draft capital to strengthen their defensive core. The Devils characterized the trade as a prudent move to avoid a large, long-term contract for Nemec while replenishing their prospect pool with multiple picks.
Criticism & Opposition – Value and Contract Concerns
Analysts highlighted Nemec’s defensive metrics as among the league’s worst (3.19 GA/60) and warned that an $8-$9 million cap hit would strain New Jersey’s salary structure. Critics also questioned whether surrendering two first-rounders, even late, could erode Calgary’s long-term draft leverage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Unresolved Issues
Net-rating models differ: one rates Nemec near zero offensively but negative defensively, while another emphasizes his puck-moving skill. No extension terms have been disclosed, leaving his future cap impact with Calgary uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Flames get: Defenseman Šimon Nemec, right winger Maxim Tsyplakov Devils get: Vegas’ first-round pick in 2027, Colorado’s first-round pick in 2028, New York Rangers’ second-round pick in 2026, defenseman Etienne Morin Harman Dayal: Moving Nemec for a large haul is a smart decision for New Jersey for a variety of reasons.” — Harman Dayal, analyst
- “Nemec has shown he is good in transition and capable of driving offense when given the opportunity,” — Rachel Kryshak, ESPN
- “Mehta didn't feel as personally invested in Nemec as his predecessor did, and he clearly balked at paying what it would take to re-sign the restricted free agent.” — Bleacher Report analysis
What's Next – Future Moves
Nemec becomes a restricted free agent on July 1 2026; Calgary is expected to negotiate a long-term deal. The Devils will enter the 2026 draft with the No. 35 pick and the conditional first-rounders, potentially using them to add top-six forwards or additional prospects.
