Calgary Flames
· 2026-07-12
Calgary Flames announced on Monday that they have secured defenseman Simon Nemec on a five‑year, $7.25 million‑per‑year contract, locking the 22‑year‑old Slovakian into the roster through his prime years. The deal, announced July 12, 2026, comes as the Flames sit 14th in the Western Conference with a 34‑39 record and a one‑game winning streak.
The Flames’ extension runs five seasons and totals $36.25 million, with no no‑trade clause, according to PuckPedia. Nemec, who finished his entry‑level contract with New Jersey, became a restricted free agent and the Flames moved quickly to avoid losing him on the market. The agreement gives Calgary a reliable, cost‑controlled blueliner for the next half‑decade.
Nemec arrived in Calgary after a trade on June 23 that sent two first‑round picks, a second‑round pick and prospect Etienne Morin to the Devils. In New Jersey he posted 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games last season, showing a rare blend of defensive reliability and offensive upside. At 6‑2 and 190 pounds, he can log over 20 minutes a night, matching the Flames’ need for a top‑four defenseman who can protect the zone and contribute on the power play.
Coach Darryl Sutter will likely slot Nemec onto the second pairing with defensive partner, for example, Noah Hanifin, giving the team a sturdier back end. With Calgary’s cap space wide open this offseason, securing a young, high‑draft pick on a team‑friendly deal frees up dollars for forward depth and goaltending upgrades. Nemec’s presence also adds a Slovakian voice to a locker room that already features several European players.
Having logged 155 NHL games, 16 goals and 49 points—all with the Devils—Nemec brings playoff experience, including a goal and an assist in four postseason games. The Flames expect him to become a cornerstone of their defense, helping the club climb out of the West’s lower tier. If he maintains his 0.31 points‑per‑game pace, Calgary could see a steady increase in defensive scoring while keeping the penalty kill tight.
The Nemec extension follows a busy trade deadline where Calgary added veteran forward Brett Ritchie and goaltender Dan Vernon. Unlike those short‑term pieces, Nemec’s five‑year deal signals a longer‑range strategy. The Flames are betting on his development curve, hoping he hits his stride as the team pushes for a playoff spot next season.
With the contract signed, the Flames can focus on fine‑tuning their lines during training camp. Fans will watch closely as Nemec partners with the existing blue‑line core, aiming to reduce goals‑against and improve transition play. The next few weeks will reveal how quickly he adapts to the high‑altitude arena and the expectations of a Calgary crowd hungry for a return to the postseason.