Devils deal Simon Nemec to Flames for conditional firsts, No. 35 pick and prospect Etienne Morin

In what’s framed as New Jersey’s first major roster move under new general manager Sunny Mehta, the Devils shipped defenseman Simon Nemec to Calgary and received a package centered on future first-round selections plus this year’s No. 35 overall pick and prospect Etienne Morin.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, exchanging the 22-year-old blue-liner for a multi-piece draft and prospect package. The deal, described in reporting as New Jersey’s first major roster transaction under general manager Sunny Mehta, shifts both teams’ near-term roster plans and their long-range prospect math.

According to the report, Calgary sent New Jersey multiple assets that include two future conditional first-round picks. In addition to those future selections, the Devils also received the Flames’ pick at No. 35 overall in the upcoming draft and prospect Etienne Morin. In return, New Jersey sent Nemec plus winger Maxim Tsyplakov to Calgary.

Nemec’s value as a young defenseman is part of why the trade reads as a swing in organizational construction rather than a straight-for-straight salary or depth move. The Devils, in moving him, report they are willing to convert a proven high-ceiling piece into draft capital and a prospect profile that can be developed into a future core. For the Flames, the acquisition is positioned as a chance to add a developing defenseman who can grow into a larger role.

The reporting also notes there was “buzz” in recent weeks that Nemec had an interest in a change of scenery. Even with that context, the practical outcome is the same: New Jersey and Calgary agreed on a structure that lets both sides address timeline differences. Future conditional first-round picks, in particular, are commonly used when teams want upside later while still moving a key player now.

For the Devils, the return of No. 35 overall creates a clearer path to adding an impact player during the early part of the draft’s first round window. Combined with Morin as a prospect piece, New Jersey’s offseason decision-making appears aimed at replenishing talent at multiple stages: immediate draft addition and longer-term organizational depth. The conditional nature of two first-round picks also means New Jersey’s haul could rise depending on how those conditions play out over time.

For Calgary, pairing Nemec with Tsyplakov in the other direction suggests a two-part focus. The team gains a defenseman in Nemec and adds a forward in Tsyplakov, while giving up draft capital and Morin in order to address the roster now. The trade will be closely watched as both teams head into the draft, because the selected players and prospect development will determine whether the transaction looks balanced or lopsided over the next few seasons.

Why It Matters

The Devils are converting a young defensive centerpiece into draft and prospect assets, reshaping their organizational build toward the next wave of prospects.
The conditional first-round components add uncertainty but also upside, meaning future outcomes could amplify the trade’s value.
Calgary’s acquisition of Nemec indicates an emphasis on adding a developing defenseman who can grow into a bigger role as the team moves forward.
With a No. 35 overall pick included, both clubs have a direct link to draft-day impact, not just long-term development.

Sources

Key Facts

The New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.
New Jersey received two future conditional first-round picks from Calgary as part of the package.
New Jersey also received the Flames’ No. 35 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
New Jersey received prospect Etienne Morin in the trade.
In return, New Jersey sent Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to Calgary.
The report describes the move as general manager Sunny Mehta’s first major roster transaction.