Flames Fans Need to Drastically Temper Expectations on Nemec

The Calgary Flames have made a significant investment in Simon Nemec, and understandably so. The 22-year-old defenceman was selected second overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2022 NHL Draft and has already shown flashes of the player he could eventually become. He is mobile, intelligent with the puck and possesses the offensive instincts that made him such a highly regarded prospect coming out of Slovakia.

But, while there is plenty to like about Nemec’s game, fans may need to temper their expectations as to what he can provide in 2026-27. Not only is he joining a new team with different systems, but he struggled to be an every-day player through his time with the Devils organization.

Nemec’s draft position has played a big part as to why Flames fans are so high on him, though his contract also has a role. Shortly after he was traded this offseason, he agreed to a five-year, $36.25 million deal that carries a $7.25 million cap hit.

What will be important to remember for Flames fans is that while management does believe he will become a $7 million defenceman, that doesn’t mean he’s there just yet. In fact, if anything, there’s a strong shot he struggles at times throughout the 2026-27 campaign.

Nemec Still Very Raw

Things between the Devils and Nemec didn’t work out, to the point it had been rumoured early in the offseason that he’d requested a trade. Nemec’s party denied that soon after, but it was quite clear that he didn’t feel he was given a big enough opportunity in New Jersey. Subsequently, the team would tell you he never played well enough to earn a bigger role.

The 2025-26 season marked the first in which Nemec spent the entire time playing in the NHL. His first three seasons in North America saw him spend plenty of time in the American Hockey League (AHL) in hopes of polishing his game.

Nemec certainly did grow during his time with the Devils, as indicated by the fact that he was on their roster for the entire 2025-26 campaign. Still, there were plenty of flaws in his game that were impossible to ignore.

Nemec’s bread and butter is supposed to be his offensive game, and his AHL stats back that up. He also took big strides in that area last season, registering 11 goals and 26 points in the 68 games he suited up. While it was a step in the right direction, however, that point total shows that there are still improvements to be made offensively.

As for the defensive side of things, that’s where Nemec really needs to improve. He was never expected to be an exceptional player on the defensive side of the puck, but he needs to become adequate at the very least. That hasn’t been the case early on in his career, and resulted in him sitting out some games as a healthy scratch last season.

Nemec won’t have to worry about spending time in the press box this season, as the Flames paid a big price to get him and are going to give him a ton of opportunities. That will also include plenty more ice time for a player who averaged less than 20 minutes per game last season.

While playing more minutes is exactly what Nemec is wanting, it could also expose some of those defensive flaws. There aren’t a ton of other blueliners in Calgary to shelter him, meaning that he will likely be tasked to go up against some difficult opponents. That could prove to be a learning experience in 2026-27, though it will make him better in the long run.

Don’t Expect Nemec to Be Elite Just Yet

By all accounts, Nemec has all the tools to become a true top-pairing defenceman. It’s clear that Flames management believes he will develop into that, and if so, it would help their rebuild immensely. That said, their time to be competitive hasn’t arrived yet, which is why they were comfortable taking on and developing a raw talent like Nemec. While optimism surrounding his future should be high, fans should prepare themselves for the fact that there could be some rough stretches this coming season.