Flames acquire Simon Nemec from Devils

Nemec, 22, was selected second overall by the Devils in 2022 and recorded a career-high of 26 points last season. The first-round picks are the Vegas Golden Knights’ in 2027 and the Colorado Avalanche’s in 2028, both of which are top-10 protected.

Nemec adds a much-needed puck-moving ability to the Flames’ blue line and can help ease Zayne Parekh into NHL competition. For the Devils, the Luke Hughes contract signed last summer likely made Nemec expendable, and this gives them assets to improve the goaltending and the forward core.

After recording 35 points in his rookie season with the New York Islanders, Tsyplakov has struggled to impact the game offensively. He recorded four points in 49 games last year, splitting time between the Islanders and Devils.

This move could mean the Flames are prioritizing a forward at sixth overall in the draft on Friday.