A New Chapter in Calgary

Defenseman Simon Nemec is looking forward to a fresh start with the Calgary Flames after being traded from the New Jersey Devils this offseason. At the European Player Media Tour, Nemec said he is ready to show the Devils what kind of player he is and could have been if given the chance to shine in New Jersey. “I just want to prove to everyone that New Jersey wasn’t right,” he said.

Nemec explained that he could not play his best hockey in New Jersey. “I wasn’t given the opportunity that I want and at the end of the day they decided it’s best for me — and for them — to get traded,” he said.

The Trade

The trade, finalized on June 23, saw the Flames acquire Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov from the Devils. According to a report by Yardbarker, the Devils sent the duo to Calgary in exchange for conditional first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 NHL Drafts, a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and defenseman prospect Etienne Morin.

Nemec was quick to clarify that he had not requested the trade. “I didn’t ask for a trade, but there were some conversations that it didn’t work out for me, for the team,” he said. Both The Times of India and Yardbarker highlighted this denial, with Nemec adding that New Jersey’s new general manager, Sunny Mehta, made the decision. Mehta took over in April, and the trade became his first major move.

Rebuilding in Calgary

Nemec expressed excitement about joining the Flames. “It’s a new place, it’s a new opportunity,” he said. He mentioned that fellow Slovak players are already with Calgary, and he is looking forward to it, adding, “I just heard it’s (Calgary) unbelievable. The nation is incredible.”

He acknowledged that the Flames are in a rebuilding phase and not expected to be highly competitive this upcoming season, but he believes he can make a significant contribution. “I feel like they need a player like me,” said Nemec. “I can play a lot of minutes there. I can be part of the future there.”

According to The Times of India, Flames head coach Ryan Huska has already told Nemec to expect a bigger role, though details of that conversation were not expanded upon. Nemec indicated he is eager to become a leader on the team.

Performance in New Jersey

Despite some frustration, Nemec had a career-best season in 2025-26 with the Devils. The Times of India reported that he scored 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games, including three overtime goals, and the top total among defensemen in the NHL. His opportunities were also limited by his role on the power play, with defenseman Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes ahead of him on the depth chart.

His NHL career with the Devils spanned 155 games. In July, shortly after the trade, he signed a five-year, $36.25 million contract with Calgary, carrying an average annual value of $7.25 million.

A Positive Outlook

Feeling that a trade was probably best for everyone, Nemec said, “I was happy... It wasn’t easy time in New Jersey and I was like, ‘Finally, it was figured out.’” He expressed a desire to be on the team, and he is ready to work for it: “I need to fight for that, but I will be ready for it.

Calgary missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a fourth consecutive year after going 34-39-9 in the 2025-26 season. Nemec says he is ready to help the Flames turn things around and become a team, part of the organization for years to come. His attitude suggests he is motivated to prove his worth in his new home.