The Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils have made a big trade. The subject is the Simon Nemec trade as Maxim Tsyplakov joins him in heading off to Southern Alberta, while the Devils get a 2026 second-round draft pick via the New York Rangers, and two first-round picks, one in 2027 via Vegas, and one in 2028 via Colorado, as well as prospect Etienne Morin. Both of the first-round picks are top-10 protected.
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Nemec & Tsyplakov for 2nd (NYR) this year, Vegas 1st 2027, COL 1st 2028 (both top 10 protected) & Etienne Morin https://t.co/iJclSTQhWH
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 23, 2026
Simon Nemec Trade to Flames for Futures In Blockbuster Deal
Nemec had 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points in 68 games last year with the Devils. The 22-year-old, 6-foot-1 defender is just coming off his three-year, entry-level contract and is a restricted free agent this season. A deal has not been signed as of right now, but there is still time for him to be signed in the coming days. He was drafted second overall by the Devils in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Viewed as a defender with upside, the Flames have greatly improved their D-core. Some work remains to be done with his defensive game, but the Flames are determined to make it work.
Maxim Tsyplakov scored just four points in 49 games with the New York Islanders and Devils last season, and is a physical power forward. He utilizes his 6-foot-3 frame to the best of his ability and can be good on the boards and in front of the net. He has one more year of his contract, which costs $2.25 million per season.
Going the Devils’ way is the 35th-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, which originally came from the New York Rangers. They also acquired two first-round picks, one in 2027 and one in 2028. Etienne Morin is a left-handed defender who spent time in the ECHL and AHL last season. He was selected at 48th overall by the Flames in 2023.
An interesting trade to be sure, as both teams get good assets. The Flames could be determined to make a step further next season, as their rebuild continues.
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