Simon Nemec and the Calgary Flames reached agreement on a five-year contract Monday worth $36.25 million. The deal carries an average annual value of $7.25 million and keeps the 22-year-old defenseman with the organization for the next five seasons.
Nemec was a restricted free agent before signing the new contract. Calgary acquired him from the New Jersey Devils on June 23 in a trade that also included forward Maxim Tsyplakov. In return, the Devils received conditional first-round selections in the 2027 and 2028 NHL Drafts, a second-round pick in the 2026 draft, and defenseman prospect Etienne Morin. Both first-round picks involved in the trade are protected if they fall within the top 10.
Nemec eager to begin new chapter
The defenseman said he was pleased to have the contract finalized early in the offseason, allowing him to focus on preparing for everything else ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Nemec also shared his excitement about spending the next five years in Calgary. He noted that players had spoken highly of the organization, adding that he is looking forward to joining the team.
Nemec plans to travel from Slovakia to Calgary in the middle of August before the Flames begin preseason action against the Seattle Kraken on Sept. 20.
His offseason routine has remained unchanged from last year. After taking about a month off following the season, he resumed both off-ice workouts and skating. According to Nemec, he felt good with last year’s program and decided to follow the same schedule again as he continues training while waiting for the new season to begin.
Last season, Nemec established NHL career bests with 11 goals, 15 assists, and 26 points in 68 games while completing his entry-level contract.
Chosen second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, he became the highest Slovakia-born defenseman ever selected. Across 155 regular-season NHL games, Nemec has recorded 16 goals and 33 assists for 49 points, while adding one goal and one assist in four Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.
On the international stage, Nemec collected two assists in six games as Slovakia finished fourth at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Earlier in his career, he also helped his country earn its first Olympic hockey medal at the 2022 Beijing Games.
