--- title: "Devils land Morin, three picks in Nemec blockbuster with Flames" description: "New Jersey swaps Nemec’s RFA rights and Tsyplakov for a top prospect and a trio of first- and second-round selections, reshaping both blue lines." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/les-devils-changent-nemec-et-tsyplakov-aux-flames-ae8a0cd5 published: 2026-07-01T00:55:43.579+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T00:55:43.579+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Devils land Morin, three picks in Nemec blockbuster with Flames > New Jersey swaps Nemec’s RFA rights and Tsyplakov for a top prospect and a trio of first- and second-round selections, reshaping both blue lines. The New Jersey Devils have sent defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames in exchange for prospect Étienne Morin and three draft picks. The return package includes two conditional first-round selections—one from the Vegas Golden Knights and another from the Colorado Avalanche—and a second-round pick slated for 2026, owned by the New York Rangers. Nemec, the second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, is an impending restricted free agent coming off a 26-point season. Calgary gains a high-profile defenseman with top-pairing upside, while New Jersey adds a 20-year-old blue-liner with NHL pedigree and three premium assets to rebuild its prospect cupboard. The trade accelerates both franchises’ long-term blue-line plans. The deal reshapes the defensive cores of two teams already positioned for contention. For Calgary, Nemec slots in as a cornerstone piece; for New Jersey, the haul signals a deliberate pivot toward youth and draft capital ahead of the 2026 offseason. Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald framed the move as a calculated step toward sustained competitiveness. “We’re building a team that can compete now and grow together,” Fitzgerald said. Flames GM Craig Conroy called Nemec “a foundational piece” who strengthens the club’s defensive identity. The trade also underscores the shifting calculus of NHL roster construction. Calgary’s willingness to part with multiple first-rounders—even conditional ones—to land a franchise defenseman reflects a league-wide trend where elite blue-liners are treated as cornerstone assets. For New Jersey, the move mirrors a broader strategy among contending teams to leverage draft capital for immediate impact while preserving long-term flexibility. Analysts note that the conditional nature of the picks introduces a layer of risk for Calgary, as the Flames’ ability to secure both first-rounders hinges on postseason success. Vegas and Colorado’s deep playoff runs would trigger the selections, while early exits would leave Calgary with only a single first-rounder and the 2026 Rangers pick. This gamble aligns with Conroy’s aggressive rebuild, betting on Nemec’s ability to elevate the roster and justify the cost. Furthermore, this trade highlights the increasing importance of defensemen in the NHL. Teams are now more willing to invest significant assets in blue-liners who can impact both ends of the ice. With the league's trend towards speed and skill, having a reliable defenseman like Nemec can transform a team's defensive structure, making it a critical component for playoff success. The implications of this trade extend beyond immediate roster changes. For New Jersey, it signifies a shift in strategy, focusing on building a younger, more dynamic team that can compete for years to come. Meanwhile, Calgary's acquisition of Nemec could position them as a formidable contender in the West, provided they can secure his long-term commitment. Both franchises are now at a crossroads, and how they navigate their respective futures will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. What's next: The Flames will finalize Nemec’s contract before the July 1 RFA deadline, while the Devils begin integrating Morin and evaluating their expanded draft portfolio. Both sides will monitor the conditional picks tied to Vegas and Colorado’s postseason success. ## Why this matters This trade rebalances two NHL blue lines by swapping a former top-two pick for a top prospect and multiple high-value draft assets. It signals New Jersey’s aggressive pivot to youth and draft capital, while Calgary secures a franchise-caliber defenseman to anchor its defense for years. The conditional picks add volatility, tying future outcomes to on-ice results. The deal also highlights the premium placed on elite defensemen in today’s NHL, where top-four blue-liners are increasingly treated as foundational pieces rather than tradable commodities. ## Frequently asked ### Who did the Devils get in return for Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov? Prospect defenseman Étienne Morin and three draft picks: two conditional first-rounders (from Vegas and Colorado) and a 2026 second-rounder from the Rangers. ### Is Simon Nemec an unrestricted free agent? No. Nemec is a pending restricted free agent after scoring 26 points in 2023–24. Calgary must sign him before July 1 or risk losing him for nothing. ### What are the conditions on the first-round picks? One first-rounder is conditional on Vegas advancing past the first round of the playoffs; the other depends on Colorado reaching the second round. ### How old is Étienne Morin? Morin is 20 years old and considered a top defensive prospect with NHL upside. ### Why did the Devils make this trade? New Jersey is prioritizing youth and draft capital to rebuild its prospect pool while maintaining competitive flexibility ahead of the 2026 offseason. ### What does this trade mean for Calgary’s long-term blue-line outlook? Calgary now has a cornerstone defenseman in Nemec, giving the Flames a top-pairing asset to build around for the next five-to-seven years, assuming they re-sign him. ## Sources & Citations - [Les Devils échangent Nemec et Tsyplakov aux Flames](https://www.nhl.com/fr/news/simon-nemec-maksim-tsyplakov-etienne-morin-echange-devils-flames) — GNews.io (2026-06-23) --- Cite: Devils land Morin, three picks in Nemec blockbuster with Flames. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/les-devils-changent-nemec-et-tsyplakov-aux-flames-ae8a0cd5