Calgary Flames Lock In Simon Nemec With Long-Term Deal
FOUND NEMO 🐟
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 6, 2026
We've signed Simon Nemec to a five-year contract with an AAV of $7.25 million! pic.twitter.com/wcwIFTjmoC
It's a $7.25 million AAV for Nemec, a 22-year-old defenseman who now will be a huge piece of Calgary's ongoing rebuild.
Nemec had been the subject of trade rumors with the Devils going back to last year, following reports out of Slovakia that was unsatisfied with his role with the Devils and would prefer a move elsewhere. He denied those reports, but at the same time, New Jersey's appetite to sign him to a big, new contract remained in question. He was a big trade chip that they dangled at the deadline, but nothing came of it at that time.
In 68 games this past season, he finished with 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points, averaging 19:40 of ice time per night. He also blocked 104 shots. It was a big step up for him in his third NHL season, but still, the Devils had been hoping for more, and didn't seem convinced of signing him up for the long haul.
Flames dealt draft picks to acquire Nemec, now lock him up for five years
The Flames nabbed the promising young rearguard (and Maxim Tsyplakov) just before the draft last month in exchange for a massive draft pick haul for New Jersey: Conditional first-round picks in the 2027 NHL Draft and 2028 NHL Draft, a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and defense prospect Etienne Morin. Both conditional picks are top 10 protected.
“I expected something (to) happen; I’m pretty excited to join Calgary,” Nemec said at the time. “It’s a good young team. … I think it can be a really good spot for me, so I’m really happy.”
Even happier now, with his new $36.25 million contract that will take him to unrestricted free agency in 2031.
