Simon Nemec Gives Take on Being Traded by the Devils, And He Didn’t Hold Back

Defenseman Simon Nemec is looking for a fresh start with the Calgary Flames this season. Having been traded by the New Jersey Devils to Calgary this offseason, he’s ready to show the Devils what kind of player he is and could have been if given the chance in New Jersey to shine. “I just want to prove to everyone that New Jersey wasn’t right,” he said.

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“I think I couldn’t play my best hockey,” Nemec said at the European Player Media Tour on Friday. “I wasn’t given the opportunity that I want and at the end of the day they decided it’s best for me — and for them — to get traded.” The Devils Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Flames in exchange for conditional first-round picks in the 2027 NHL Draft and 2028 NHL Draft, a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and defenseman prospect Etienne Morin.

Nemec wasn’t looking to be moved. “I didn’t ask for a trade, but there were some conversations that it didn’t work out for me, for the team. New Jersey got a new GM, and he decided to go this way and I’m totally fine with that.”

To that end, he’s excited to be a member of the Flames.

“I wanted to get it done,” said Nemec. “They (the Flames) stepped in and did a huge trade for me, so there was nothing to think about.” He added, “It’s a new place, it’s a new opportunity,” he said. “I have other Slovak guys there so yeah, I’m excited about coming in. I just heard it’s (Calgary) unbelievable. The nation is incredible.”

As much as he tried to make things work in New Jersey, this move is likely best for everyone. “I was happy,” Nemec said. “It wasn’t easy time in New Jersey and I was like, ‘Finally, it was figured out.'” He believes he can help the Flames, who are rebuilding and not expected to be all that competitive this season. “That was a good spot for me, for the team,” he said. “I feel like they need a player like me. I can play a lot of minutes there. I can be part of the future there and be one of the leaders of the team.”

And head coach Ryan Huska has already told Nemec to be ready for a bigger role. He’s hoping for a shot and some premium ice time. “I want to be on the No. 1 power play. I think Calgary can offer me that.” He understands it might not just be given to him, but he’s ready to battle for the right to show what he can do. “I need to fight for that, but I will be ready for it.”

That wasn’t an option in New Jersey, where three guys were all fighting for the same spot.

He’s got a lot to prove and there may be no better place to prove it than in Calgary. They need a big-minute guy and Nemec wants big minutes.

Next: Does Going All-In at the Trade Deadline Actually Work?