Flames acquire Nemec, Tsyplakov from Devils for picks, prospect
The Calgary Flames have acquired defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tysplakov from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a package of draft picks and prospects, according to multiple reports.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to break the news of the trade and the return on Tuesday afternoon. The Devils will receive two first-round picks — one each in 2027 and 2028, originally belonging to the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, respectively — as well as the New York Rangers‘ 2026 second-round pick and defense prospect Etienne Morin.
Nemec, 22, appeared in 68 games with the Devils during the 2025-26 regular season, collecting 11 goals and 26 points. The Devils originally selected the 6’1″ right-shot defenseman and two-time Olympian with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
GET THE NEW JERSEYS READY ‼️ We have acquired defenceman Simon Nemec & forward Maxim Tsyplakov from NJD for a conditional '27 1st round pick (VGK), a conditional '28 1st round pick (COL), a '26 2nd round pick (NYR) & Etienne Morin. Both 1st round picks are top-10 protected.
Nemec is slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1, upon the conclusion of his three-year, entry-level contract. Through 155 career NHL games over parts of three seasons in New Jersey, the Slovak rearguard has collected 16 goals and 49 points; he’s added a goal and an assist in four playoff contests.
Tsyplakov, 27, is also heading to Calgary in this deal. The 6’3″ winger collected just two goals and four points in 49 games split between New Jersey and the New York Islanders in the 2025-26 season; he is signed for one more year at a $2.25 million cap hit.
Morin, 21, was originally picked by the Flames in the second round (No. 48 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. The 6′ left-shot defender spent most of the 2025-26 season with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, recording one goal and seven points in 42 games.
The Flames previously traded for all three of the picks going to New Jersey in this trade. They acquired the first-round picks in separate deals for Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri; the second-round pick came from the Utah Mammoth as part of the MacKenzie Weegar trade.