The Calgary Flames have made a major move, acquiring defencemen Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Etienne Morin, a 2027 1st (VGK), 2028 1st (COL) and a 2026 2nd (NYR).<\/p>\n
This deal truly came out of left field and caught Flames fans and media by surprise. At first glance, it\u2019s a big move for the Flames.<\/p>\n
Trading a pair of 1st round picks, a 2nd and a prospect wasn\u2019t on the to-do list for most of the Flames\u2019 faithful. With that being said, let\u2019s break down Simon Nemec\u2019s game and welcome him to the C of Red!<\/p>\n
What Nemec Brings<\/p>\n
As mentioned in a previous post, Nemec has a lot of upside. He can be the QB1 on the power play and is smart with the puck.<\/p>\n
Nemec is a strong skater who thrives in the offensive zone, similar to his new teammate Zayne Parekh. Nemec is the highest-drafted Slovakian-born defenceman in NHL history, representing Slovakia at the Olympics this past February.<\/p>\n
Developing the defensive side of Nemec\u2019s game will be a priority for Flames management this coming season. For the Flames, having a former 2nd overall pick who can move the puck in the system is a nice addition.<\/p>\n
Nemec posted 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games played last season with the Devils, as well as averaging 19:40 of ice time per night. He currently sits at 16 goals and 49 points in 155 career games thus far in his young career.<\/p>\n
Bet on the Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia native to be battling it out with Zayne Parekh for a spot on the top defensive pairing this fall.<\/p>\n
Things To Consider<\/p>\n
It\u2019s crucial to remember that despite the chaos of the trade, Nemec is an RFA heading into the offseason. Getting him signed to a new contract will be one of Craig Conroy\u2019s main focuses heading into the summer.<\/p>\n
Calgary has notably been very successful at developing players, especially defencemen. Keeping them in Cow-Town has been the only hang-up. This could be just the tip of the iceberg for Craig Conroy and Flames management as we head into what should be a busy summer. Overall, this could be a slam dunk for the Flames.<\/p>\n
Nemec is another strong addition for a Flames team that\u2019s looking to be competitive in the next couple of years. This is a pretty big swing for Conroy, arguably the biggest since taking over as Flames GM.<\/p>\n
The 1st round picks traded to New Jersey were both late 1sts, and with Colorado and Vegas being the powerhouses they are, they\u2019ll most likely stay that way. <\/p>\n
Conroy has previously \u201cfleeced\u201d the Devils in both the Jacob Markstrom trade and the Tyler Toffoli trade, and it seems he may have done it again. Only time will tell.<\/p>\n
Overall, this isn\u2019t a terrible trade for the Flames despite the \u201chigh risk, high reward\u201d aspect.<\/p>\n
Trade Grade: A- <\/p>\n
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