Calgary Flames defenseman Simon Nemec recently opened up on his trade away from the New Jersey Devils this summer.
The Calgary Flames swung a massive trade this offseason that landed them defenseman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils. This was quite the bold move from Calgary. But it’s certainly one that has the potential to pay dividends down the line.
Nemec is a former second overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft. The Slovakian defender has not had the easiest of times in New Jersey. When new general manager Sunny Mehta came in, he was shipped out. Nemec did not request a trade, according to him, but he isn’t torn up about the outcome, either.
“I didn’t ask for a trade, but there were some conversations that it didn’t work out for me, for the team,” the Flames defenseman said, via NHL.com. “New Jersey got a new GM, and he decided to go this way and I’m totally fine with that. I was happy. It wasn’t easy time in New Jersey and I was like, ‘Finally, it was figured out.’”
Nemec played a career high 68 games for the Devils in 2025-26. And he also enjoyed his most productive NHL season, as well. He scored 11 goals and 26 points as New Jersey attempted to compete for the playoffs. In the end, New Jersey was unable to clinch that playoff spot/
He is set to join a rebuilding club in the Flames. Nemec is seen as a potential cornerstone of this defense. He is one of three defensemen younger than 25 who are projected to play on this roster come time for the 2026-27 season. His two-way ability could be a huge boost for this unit, especially if he reaches his full potential.
Calgary opens its 2026-27 campaign on October 1 against the Seattle Kraken.
The Calgary Flames swung a massive trade this offseason that landed them defenseman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils. This was quite the bold move from Calgary. But it’s certainly one that has the potential to pay dividends down the line. Nemec is a former second overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft.