Overview
- The Flames signed 22-year-old Simon Nemec to a five-year, US$36.25 million deal that carries a $7.25 million average annual value, announced Monday.
- Calgary acquired Nemec’s rights and forward Maxim Tsyplakov in a June 23 trade that sent prospect Etienne Morin, a 2026 second‑round pick and two conditional first‑round picks to New Jersey.
- Those two first‑round picks are reported to be top‑10 protected, which limits Calgary’s immediate downside if the selections land high.
- Devils general manager Sunny Mehta said New Jersey moved Nemec because the return was too good to pass up and because of roster and cap fit, while Calgary plans to use Nemec as a top‑four, power‑play quarterback.
- Nemec was the No. 2 overall pick in 2022 who posted 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games last season, and the signing locks in a young, high‑upside blueliner for Calgary’s rebuild while committing salary cap space through 2030‑31.