The New Jersey Devils have traded defenseman Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames.
Simon Nemec is being traded to the Calgary Flames from the New Jersey Devils #njdevils #flames
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) June 23, 2026
Questions Surround the Future of Simon Nemec with the New Jersey Devils
In addition to Nemec, the Devils cleared $2.250 million in cap space by sending Maxim Tsyplakov as part of the deal to Calgary. The Flames meanwhile as part of the return for these two players have given the Devils a 2026 second-round (35th overall) pick that was previously sent by the New York Rangers to Calgary at the trade deadline, a 2027 first round draft pick (Flames acquired from Vegas Golden Knights), a 2028 1st round draft pick (acquired from the Colorado Avalanche), both picks top 10 protected, and Etienne Morin.
Per @FriedgeHNIC the Devils not only sent Nemec RFA and Tsyplakov to Calgary they got back 2nd round this year (was NYR), Vegas 1st 2027, Colorado 1st 2028 (both top 10 protected & Etienne Morin #njdevils #flames https://t.co/xRI1Z5s4kl
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) June 23, 2026
This was coming to a head one way or another for the Devils with either Simon Nemec or Dougie Hamilton. The previous administration, former GM Tom Fitzgerald, drafted Nemec 2nd overall in 2022. However, he struggled to get playing time, given the depth on the right side of the Devils’ defence.
There had been conflicting reports about a trade request. However, according to sources, “while he has not formally requested a trade, he is open to a change of scenery, which might do him some good.”
Nothing changed from Nemec side of things. While he addressed the media at the New Jersey Devils’ year-end media availability, discussing how he would like to re-sign, he wasn’t sure what the future would bring. Remember, he was not happy two seasons ago about being sent to the AHL.
NHL Rumors: What is Going Between Simon Nemec and the New Jersey Devils?
There were reports of a trade request that was then denied. However, it was clear that something was amiss from the start. Nemec was always the one sent down for development. Again, from those close to the situation, the Devils had to scramble at the 2022 NHL Draft after Juraj Slafkovsky was taken first by the Montreal Canadiens.
In addition, there was a belief, however true or not, that Nemec was a make-up pick for the Devils after some had Cale Makar one on their draft boards in 2017. The right-shot defenseman played 155 games for the Devils over the past three seasons, recording 49 points (16 goals and 33 assists). He performed well when called upon, when guys like Brett Pesce, Dougie Hamilton, Jonathan Kovacevic, and Brendon Dillon were out of the lineup.
Last season, Nemec recorded a career-high 26 points (including a career-high 11 goals and 15 assists) in 68 games with the Devils. Nemec recorded three-game winning streaks last season. So the Flames are betting on the player’s upside.
Trade Speculation Surrounds Simon Nemec and the New Jersey Devils
However, it was clear that the dynamic of the Devils locker room needed to change. Brendon Dillon brought up the dysfunction in the room about players talking about ice time and who was playing with whom. But the Devils made the decision to draft Nemec with the hopes that he and Luke Hughes were going to be the future of the blueline.
Unfortunately, Dougie Hamilton’s $9 million AAV and 10-team trade list got in the way of things. While they tried to move Hamilton last year, he invoked his trade protection, which is his right, but that meant there was an odd man out. That odd man was Simon Nemec. But his development, along with Luke Hughes, was mismanaged.
However, teams are always looking for right-shot defenseman and the Devils had too many of them with Hamilton, Nemec, Brett Pesce, Dillon, and Jonathan Kovacevic. As Fitzgerald said before he left, “We have seven defensemen who can play in the NHL.” He was right.
Devils Rumors: Is Simon Nemec Still Part of New Jersey’s Future?
The restricted free agent still needs a contract. Whether he asked for Luke Hughes’ money is debatable, but Nemec will need a new contract with the Flames. Calgary sees him as a part of their rebuild moving forward. It will be interesting to see the contract they give him.
Now the New Jersey Devils, who will eventually sign Nico Hischier to an extension, have assets to go out and get a top-six scoring winger, or a center, or maybe a goaltender to help them get back to the playoffs and compete for the Stanley Cup. They have been a team to watch ever since Sunny Mehta took over as General Manager.
Nothing changes. Expect New Jersey to remain active heading into the Draft and Free Agency on all fronts.
