The New Jersey Devils have made headlines with a significant roster move, trading defenseman Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. This multi-piece deal also included the transfer of forward Maxim Tsyplakov to Calgary, marking a strategic shift for both teams as they prepare for the future.
Details of the Trade
In return for Nemec and Tsyplakov, New Jersey received a valuable package from Calgary. The Devils obtained conditional first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 NHL Drafts, a second-round pick in 2026, and promising defense prospect Etienne Morin. Notably, the 2027 and 2028 first-round picks are protected should they fall within the top 10 selections, providing New Jersey with some security in their future draft strategy.
Simon Nemec, just 22 years old, has shown considerable promise this season, setting a career-high with 26 points through 11 goals and 15 assists across 68 games. Having completed his entry-level contract, he is poised to enter restricted free agency on July 1. Drafted second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Nemec has accumulated 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) in 155 regular-season games, along with two points in four Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. He holds the distinction of being the highest-drafted defenseman born in Slovakia, contributing to his national team’s success, including two assists at the 2026 Winter Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Maxim Tsyplakov, 27, has had a modest impact this season, registering four points in 49 NHL games. After joining the Devils from the New York Islanders in a trade on January 27, he added two points to his tally. Prior to his time in the NHL, Tsyplakov spent seven seasons with Spartak in the Kontinental Hockey League, showcasing his experience in professional hockey.
On the other hand, Etienne Morin, 21, is still waiting for his NHL debut. A second-round pick in the 2023 draft, Morin has spent time with Calgary’s American Hockey League affiliate and Rapid City in the ECHL. He was instrumental in helping Moncton secure the 2025 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League title and earn a spot in the Memorial Cup.
As both the Devils and Flames missed out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, this trade signals a clear focus on future development and rebuilding. New Jersey also made a notable management change by appointing Sunny Mehta as general manager on April 16, shortly after parting ways with Tom Fitzgerald. The upcoming seasons will be crucial for both franchises as they look to enhance their rosters and return to playoff contention.