The New Jersey Devils completed a significant trade Tuesday, sending pending restricted free agent defenseman Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames. In exchange, New Jersey receives first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, a 2026 second-round selection, and prospect Etienne Morin. The 2027 first-rounder is top-10 protected from Vegas.

Nemec, the second overall pick in 2022, posted 11 goals and 26 points across 68 games this season with the Devils. The 22-year-old blueliner projects to slot into Calgary's top-four defense rotation, potentially bolstering a Flames team that has missed the playoffs in five of the past six seasons. At his age, Nemec still has room to grow into a more impactful player.

Tsyplakov appeared in 22 games for New Jersey last season before hitting unrestricted free agency on July 1. The Russian winger adds depth to Calgary's forward group while the Flames paid a steep price banking on Nemec's untapped potential.

For the Devils, this move stockpiles draft capital and adds Morin, a 21-year-old prospect who hasn't yet played in the NHL but could become trade bait. The assets give New Jersey flexibility to address other roster needs.