Devils Send Nemec & Tsyplakov to Flames for Picks & a Prospect

On Tuesday afternoon, the New Jersey Devils announced a blockbuster trade in which defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov are headed to the Calgary Flames. In exchange, the Devils will receive two conditional first-round picks, a second-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, and defenseman Etienne Morin.

In terms of the conditional picks, the Devils will acquire a first-round pick from the Flames in either 2027 or 2028, depending on what they receive from an earlier trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. The other first-round selection will be made in 2028 or 2029, as part of a prior trade with the Colorado Avalanche.

TRADE ALERT: We’ve acquired two conditional first-round picks, a 2026 second-round selection, and defenseman Etienne Morin from Calgary in exchange for defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov.

📰: https://t.co/tYfH6Yspkb pic.twitter.com/Euv0HFAsX9— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) June 23, 2026

Morin spent the majority of the season with the Calgary Wranglers in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he posted one goal and six assists across 42 games. He also spent a brief period with the Rapid City Rush in the ECHL, totaling three points in seven games. 

Considering the Devils’ logjam on the blue line, it was obvious that a move involving Nemec was imminent. He’s been a hot commodity across the league as a highly coveted young right-handed defenseman. In three seasons with the Devils, he showed flashes of potential as an offensive defenseman, and his time in New Jersey was filled with highlight-worthy plays, overtime goals, and even a hat trick.

Tsyplakov’s tenure with the Devils was limited, since he was traded from the New York Islanders in January. In 22 games, he put up one goal and one assist, averaging 8:28 ice time per game.

This was definitely a bold move from new general manager Sunny Mehta and is surely just the beginning of his planned roster restructure. Be sure to follow The Hockey Writers to stay up to date on all of the latest news throughout the offseason and beyond.