Flames Sign Simon Nemec to 5-Year Contract

The Calgary Flames have wasted little time committing to one of the biggest additions of their offseason. Just weeks after acquiring Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils, Calgary signed the 22-year-old defenceman to a five-year, $36.25 million contract carrying a $7.25 million average annual value. It is a significant investment, but one that reflects the organization’s belief that Nemec can become a foundational piece on the blue line for years to come.

For a Flames team that has undergone major changes over the last year, locking up a player with Nemec’s ceiling sends a clear message: Calgary is building around a young core rather than relying solely on veterans.

A Top-Pair Defenceman in the Making

Nemec arrives in Calgary after spending parts of three seasons with the Devils. While he was often buried behind an already stacked defensive group in New Jersey, he still showcased why he was selected second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Last season, Nemec recorded 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points in 68 games while displaying the offensive instincts that made him one of the top defensive prospects in hockey. His skating, puck-moving ability and hockey IQ allow him to transition the puck efficiently while also contributing on the power play.

Unlike many young offensive defencemen, Nemec isn’t purely a power-play specialist. He’s capable of logging heavy minutes at even strength and using his mobility to break up plays before quickly turning defence into offence.

Where He Fits in Calgary’s Lineup

Nemec should immediately slot into Calgary’s top four, with every opportunity to become the club’s No. 1 right-shot defenceman.

Whether he’s paired alongside Kevin Bahl or another defensively responsible partner, Nemec projects to handle top competition while also quarterbacking one of Calgary’s power-play units. His ability to transport the puck should immediately improve the Flames’ transition game, something that has lacked consistency in recent seasons.

At just 22 years old, his role is only expected to grow. By the midpoint of this contract, Nemec could very well be playing over 24 minutes a night while anchoring Calgary’s blue line.

The Contract Fits the Current Market

The five-year deal also reflects where the NHL market is heading for young defencemen.

Over the past several days, teams have shown a willingness to pay premium prices for high-upside blueliners before they fully break out. The Anaheim Ducks recently signed Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year contract worth $7.2 million annually, while the Los Angeles Kings locked up Brandt Clarke at $7.4 million per season. Nemec’s $7.25 million cap hit falls directly in line with those comparable contracts.

Rather than waiting for another breakout season that could have pushed his asking price even higher, Calgary secured cost certainty during what should be the prime years of Nemec’s career.

If he develops into the top-pair defenceman many scouts projected on draft day, this contract could look like excellent value before it expires.

A Move That Signals Calgary’s Direction

The Flames paid a steep price to acquire Nemec from New Jersey, and signing him long term confirms they view him as a centrepiece of their rebuild. Instead of entering another offseason with uncertainty surrounding a young restricted free agent, Calgary now has one of its most important building blocks under contract through the 2030-31 season.

For a franchise looking to return to playoff contention with a younger core, Nemec has the tools to become the player who leads the blue line for years to come.

At just 22 years old, Calgary isn’t simply paying for what Nemec has already accomplished—they’re investing in what they believe he will become. If his development continues on its current trajectory, the Flames may have secured one of the NHL’s next elite defencemen at exactly the right time.