Calgary Flames have made a significant move in the NHL by signing 22-year-old defenseman Simon Nemec to a lucrative five-year contract worth $36.25 million. This contract, which was finalized on Monday, carries an average annual value of $7.25 million, making it a noteworthy addition to the team’s roster.
Details of the Trade and Contract
The Flames acquired Nemec from the New Jersey Devils last month, alongside forward Maxim Tsyplakov, in exchange for conditional first-round picks in the upcoming 2027 and 2028 NHL Drafts, a 2026 second-round pick, and defense prospect Etienne Morin. Notably, the first-round selections are protected if they fall within the top 10, providing a strategic advantage for Calgary.
During the last NHL season, Nemec showcased his talent by setting career highs with 26 points, including 11 goals and 15 assists, across 68 games. This performance came as he concluded his entry-level contract, marking him as a rising star within the league. His arrival from Slovakia is anticipated in mid-August, just in time for Calgary’s preseason opener against the Seattle Kraken, scheduled for September 20.
Simon Nemec was drafted second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, making history as the highest-ever selection for a Slovakia-born defenseman. Over his brief career thus far, he has accumulated 49 points, comprised of 16 goals and 33 assists, in 155 regular-season NHL games. Additionally, he has participated in four Stanley Cup Playoff games, contributing two points to his team’s efforts.
On the international stage, Nemec has represented Slovakia with distinction. He recorded two assists in six games during the 2026 Winter Olympics, where Slovakia secured a fourth-place finish. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in helping Slovakia achieve its first Olympic hockey medal at the 2022 Beijing Games. As he joins the Flames, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Nemec’s skills translate in Calgary and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.