--- title: "Devils land picks, Morin in blockbuster with Flames" description: "New Jersey adds two conditional firsts, a second, and a rising defenseman in exchange for Nemec and Tsyplakov." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/devils-acquire-picks-prospect-etienne-morin-from-calgary-8823755a published: 2026-06-30T21:05:33.438+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T21:05:33.438+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Devils land picks, Morin in blockbuster with Flames > New Jersey adds two conditional firsts, a second, and a rising defenseman in exchange for Nemec and Tsyplakov. The New Jersey Devils have executed a franchise-altering trade, sending defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames in exchange for two conditional first-round picks, a second-round selection, and promising prospect Etienne Morin. The return package includes a 2025 first-rounder that becomes a second-rounder if it falls outside the top 10, a 2026 first-rounder that converts to a second if the Devils miss the playoffs next season, and a 2025 second-round pick. Morin, 20, is a right-shot defenseman who has split time between the AHL’s Utica Comets and the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder this season, posting 12 points in 36 games across both levels. His mobility and puck-moving ability have drawn comparisons to Devils blue-line prospects like Luke Hughes, though his production remains modest for a top-4 defenseman. For Calgary, the move clears roster space and accelerates a rebuild centered on youth and flexibility. The Flames retain control of Nemec, 21, a 2020 first-round pick who has battled inconsistency in his two NHL seasons, and Tsyplakov, 22, a 2021 sixth-round selection who has yet to establish himself at the top level. The trade also frees up approximately $1.2 million in cap space, a critical cushion for a franchise navigating financial constraints while prioritizing long-term roster construction. The Devils’ front office framed the deal as a step toward sustained competitiveness. “We’re committed to building a team that can contend,” said general manager Tom Fitzgerald. “This gives us more assets to draft and develop elite talent while addressing immediate needs on the blue line.” Fitzgerald’s comments underscore a broader trend: teams are increasingly leveraging conditional picks as a form of financial arbitrage, converting uncertain future assets into immediate cap relief while retaining upside. The conditional structure of the picks adds a layer of strategic depth rarely seen in blockbuster trades. The 2025 first-rounder’s top-10 protection effectively caps the Devils’ downside—if they falter early next season, they still secure a high-value asset. Meanwhile, the 2026 pick’s playoff condition incentivizes immediate competitiveness, forcing New Jersey to push for postseason relevance or sacrifice draft capital. This dual-layered protection reflects a calculated risk by Calgary, which is betting that the Devils’ core will either develop or be supplemented in time to avoid the playoff penalty. Morin’s development timeline aligns with New Jersey’s long-term blue-line plans. While his AHL numbers (12 points in 28 games for Utica) don’t scream elite, his skating and offensive instincts fit the Devils’ system under head coach Lindy Ruff, who prioritizes transition play. The Devils have struggled to generate offense from the blue line this season, ranking 20th in goals per game from defensemen, and Morin’s addition addresses that gap without requiring an immediate NHL roster spot. What’s next: The Devils will monitor the health of their core and the development of Morin in Utica, while Calgary begins retooling around its younger core. The 2025 draft will be a key inflection point for both franchises, with the conditional nature of the picks adding a layer of strategic uncertainty to their long-term planning. New Jersey’s ability to retain its conditional picks intact will depend on its playoff push next season, while Calgary’s rebuild gains momentum with the infusion of draft capital. The trade also reflects a tactical divergence between the two organizations. New Jersey’s aggressive asset accumulation signals confidence in its developmental pipeline and a willingness to absorb short-term risk for long-term gain. Calgary, meanwhile, is doubling down on its rebuild, betting that the influx of draft capital will offset the loss of two unproven NHL players. The conditional clauses in the picks further illustrate how modern front offices are using draft selections as multi-pronged tools—balancing immediate flexibility with conditional upside. ## Why this matters This trade signals a clear philosophical shift for New Jersey, trading away established NHL pieces for high-ceiling assets rather than chasing short-term fixes. The conditional firsts provide immediate draft capital while Morin represents a low-risk gamble on a mobile, right-shot defenseman with AHL experience. For Calgary, it’s another piece of a deliberate rebuild, freeing up cap space and roster spots for younger players. The move underscores how front offices now treat draft picks as currency in roster construction, prioritizing long-term assets over band-aid solutions. The conditional structure of the picks also highlights the growing use of draft capital as a financial lever, allowing teams to hedge against uncertainty while maintaining flexibility in roster management. The Devils’ willingness to trade a former top-10 pick like Nemec—despite his draft pedigree—further signals a break from traditional asset retention, embracing volatility in pursuit of a sustainable contender. ## Frequently asked ### Who did the Devils send to Calgary in this trade? New Jersey traded defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames in exchange for draft picks and prospect Etienne Morin. ### What draft picks did the Devils receive? The Devils received two conditional first-round picks (2025 and 2026) and a 2025 second-round pick from the Flames. ### What are the conditions on the first-round picks? The 2025 first-rounder becomes a second-rounder if it falls outside the top 10; the 2026 first-rounder converts to a second if New Jersey misses the playoffs next season. ### How old is Etienne Morin and where has he played this season? Morin is 20 years old and has split the season between the AHL’s Utica Comets (12 points in 28 games) and the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder (0 points in 8 games). ### Why did Calgary agree to this trade? The Flames cleared roster space and accelerated their rebuild by acquiring two young, but unproven, NHL players in Nemec and Tsyplakov while gaining multiple high-value draft assets. ### What did Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald say about the trade? Fitzgerald stated the team is committed to building a contender and that the assets acquired will help draft and develop elite talent while addressing blue-line needs. ## Sources & Citations - [Devils Acquire Picks, Prospect Etienne Morin from Calgary | RELEASE - NHL.com](https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/devils-acquire-picks-prospect-from-calgary-release-6-23-26) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-23) --- Cite: Devils land picks, Morin in blockbuster with Flames. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/devils-acquire-picks-prospect-etienne-morin-from-calgary-8823755a