Simon Nemec Is Trying to Become More Like Zdeno Chara

Simon Nemec rolled into Calgary a couple of weeks back, found a place with his fiancée, and got right down to business. That’s probably the smartest way to handle it. The former No. 2 overall pick is getting a whole different kind of opportunity with the Flames than he ever got in New Jersey. He’ll get more minutes, more responsibility, and finally a real shot to show why the Devils took him second overall back in 2022.

Here’s what I like about Nemec, though. He’s not out here trying to settle old scores. He wasn’t used nearly as much in New Jersey as Dougie Hamilton or Luke Hughes. And after a talk with Devils GM Sunny Mehta last spring, it was pretty clear something had to give. But ask him about his old coach, and he won’t bite. He basically said he’s not trying to prove anybody wrong. He just wants to play hockey and get a little better every single day.

It Would Make Sense that Nemec Would Save His Energy for the Ice

That’s actually a pretty solid mindset. It’s easy for a young guy getting a fresh start to spend way too much time looking backward. Nemec seems a lot more focused on what’s ahead.

And here’s the part of his story that caught my attention more than the trade itself. This summer, back home in Slovakia, Nemec spent a ton of time on a road bike, grinding through the mountains around his hometown to get himself in shape. Why cycling of all things? Turns out his strength coach does Ironman triathlons, and Nemec figured he’d give it a shot too.

There’s Another Name Tied to Nemec — Zdeno Chara

Chara, of course, was another Slovak defenceman who took getting in shape dead seriously. He wasn’t just one of the biggest, most physically dominant guys to ever play defence in the NHL. He was famously obsessive about his training and taking care of his body, year after year.

So here’s Nemec, 22 years old, starting fresh in Calgary, cranking out miles on a bike through the Slovak mountains, borrowing a little inspiration from Chara along the way. Maybe that’s nothing. Or maybe it actually says a lot.

Chara built an incredible career by thinking beyond the next season and treating his body like something he had to take care of for the long haul. He wasn’t just preparing to be ready in the fall—he was building himself to stay great for years. Nemec seems to be approaching things in much the same way.

Nemec’s Goals in Calgary Are Simple

His own goals are pretty simple, honestly. Play better, feel better on the ice, and find some real consistency out there. He doesn’t need to be a highlight-reel guy every night. He just needs to become a defenceman his team can count on. And that’s exactly the kind of chance Calgary’s giving him.

He’s also got fellow Slovaks Samuel Honzek and Martin Pospisil around to help him settle in. That should make the whole “new city, new team” thing a lot easier. And it’s not like the Flames brought him in just to quietly ride the third pair either.

The real question is whether he eventually grows into the top-pairing defenceman his draft spot always promised. In that quest, Nemec doesn’t seem like he’s chasing a quick fix. He’s building something. And if riding a bike through the mountains like Zdeno Chara is part of that plan, well, that seems like a pretty solid place to start.

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