Flames Trade Two First-Round Picks To Land Simon Nemec

Calgary Flames sent two conditional first-round picks, one second-rounder and Etienne Morin to the Devils for Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov on June 23 2026.

Draft Capital Outlay

The Flames surrendered two conditional first-round selections plus the 48th overall pick from 2023, Etienne Morin, who recorded seven points in 42 AHL games this season. New Jersey receives either the 2028 or 2029 first-rounder from Colorado depending on the outcome of the Avalanche-Maple Leafs trade involving Nic Roy. If the 2027 Vegas first-rounder falls inside the top ten, New Jersey instead receives Calgary’s 2028 selection.

This package gives the Devils up to five first-round picks over the next three drafts. The conditional structure protects Calgary only if the picks land inside the top ten, preserving future flexibility while still meeting New Jersey’s price.

Calgary retains its own 2026 first-rounder and an additional first-round selection acquired earlier, plus first-rounders in 2027 and 2028. The club also holds seven second-round picks across the next three drafts, leaving ample ammunition for further moves.

Nemec Profile And Trajectory

Simon Nemec, selected second overall in 2022, posted 11 goals and 15 assists in 68 games while averaging 19:40 of ice time. Across 155 career NHL games he has accumulated 49 points. The 22-year-old pending restricted free agent missed time with injury but became a full-time NHL regular this season after splitting time between leagues in prior years.

The Devils originally drafted Nemec to anchor their blue line yet placed him on the trade market amid contract uncertainty. Calgary’s projected $20.5 million in cap space allows the club to re-sign Nemec or match any offer sheet he might receive.

Maxim Tsyplakov arrives after a second trade in 2026. Acquired by New Jersey from the Islanders on January 27 for Ondrej Palat plus mid-round picks, the forward recorded four points in 49 games split between the two clubs.

Immediate And Future Impact

The addition of Nemec immediately upgrades Calgary’s right-side defense while Tsyplakov adds forward depth. With the 2026 NHL Draft days away, the Flames can now focus on re-signing Nemec rather than further asset accumulation.

New Jersey’s new prospect pool and future draft capital position the club to restock after parting with a young top-pair defenseman. The conditional protections on the picks reduce downside risk for Calgary yet still deliver New Jersey meaningful selections.

Unless further trades occur before the draft opens, both teams enter the off-season with clarified rosters and defined asset bases for the 2027 and 2028 drafts.