Flames Sign Simon Nemec to 5-year contract – Hockey Writers – Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames wasted little time committing to one of the biggest additions of their off-season. A few weeks after acquiring Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils, Calgary signed the 22-year-old defenseman to a five-year, $36.25 million contract with an average annual salary of $7.25 million. It’s a significant investment, but one that reflects the organization’s belief that Nemec can be a foundational piece on the blue line for years to come.

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

Dual Defender 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 defense in New Jersey, he still showed why he was the second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

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

Unlike many young offensive players, Nemec is not a power play specialist. He is able to log heavy minutes at even strength and use his movement to break up plays before quickly turning defense into offense.

When He Came Into Calgary’s Lineup

Nemec should quickly slot into Calgary’s top four, in all likelihood becoming the team’s No. 1 right-shooting defenseman.

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

At only 22 years old, his role is expected to grow. In the middle of this contract, Nemec may have played 24 minutes a night while anchoring Calgary’s blue line.

Contract Fits Current Market

The five-year deal also shows where the NHL market is headed for young defensemen.

In the past few days, teams have shown a willingness to pay premium prices for top blueliners before they fully explode. The Anaheim Ducks recently signed Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year contract worth $7.2 million per year, while the Los Angeles Kings locked up Brandt Clarke at $7.4 million per season. Nemec’s $7.25 million cap hit is directly related to those same contracts.

Instead of waiting for another offseason that would have pushed his asking price even higher, Calgary got cost certainty during what should be the prime years of Nemec’s career.

If he turns out to be the top defenseman most scouts are projecting on draft day, this contract could look like an excellent value before it expires.

Movement Pointing to the Direction of Calgary

The Flames paid a low price to acquire Nemec from New Jersey, and signing him long-term confirms that they consider him important to their rebuild. Instead of entering another off-season with uncertainty surrounding a young restricted free agent, Calgary now has one of its most valuable assets under contract through the 2030-31 season.

For a franchise looking to get back into playoff contention with a thin core, Nemec has the tools to be a blue line leader for years to come.

At just 22 years old, Calgary isn’t just paying for what Nemec has already accomplished—they’re investing in what they believe he’ll become. If his development continues on its current trajectory, the Flames could be securing one of the NHL’s next defensemen at the right time.