Overview
- The Calgary Flames completed the trade on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, acquiring 22-year-old defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov while sending two conditional, top-10-protected first-round picks, the New York Rangers’ 2026 second-round pick (35th overall) and prospect Etienne Morin to the New Jersey Devils.
- Nemec is a former No. 2 overall pick who posted 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games in 2025-26 and will become a restricted free agent on July 1 with no extension announced.
- Both first-round picks are top-10 protected, a condition that makes them likely late-first-round selections but preserves upside for New Jersey if Vegas or Colorado fall in the standings.
- The Devils’ new general manager Sunny Mehta moved Nemec to avoid a likely expensive RFA commitment and to relieve a logjam on the blue line while adding flexible draft capital that can be used to restock prospects or traded for immediate help.
- For Calgary the trade accelerates the rebuild by converting previously acquired picks into an NHL-ready, right-shot defenseman who should get more top-pairing minutes and power-play opportunity, while Tsyplakov provides short-term bottom-six depth at a roughly $2.25 million cap hit for one season.