The New Jersey Devils have traded the rights to defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames, ESPN reported. In return, the Devils receive two first-round draft picks, a second-round pick, and prospect Etienne Morin.
Nemec is a pending restricted free agent. The trade moves his negotiating rights to Calgary, where the Flames will now control his next contract. Tsyplakov's rights are included in the deal as well.
The haul of draft capital gives New Jersey significant assets to work with heading into the offseason. Two first-round picks represent a substantial return for a young defenseman, and adding Morin as a prospect gives the Devils a player to develop alongside those future selections.
Nemec was a first-round pick by the Devils in the 2022 NHL Draft, selected second overall. His departure represents a notable shift in New Jersey's roster-building direction.
