The Calgary Flames made a move earlier in the off-season to acquire defenseman Simon Nemec in a deal with the New Jersey Devils, giving up significant draft capital in the process. While there was criticism of the move, given that he is still just 22-years-old and was once a No. 2 overall pick in the NHL Draft, it's clear why the Flames would want to add the right-shot defenseman.
The deal did not come with an extension, and after recent offer sheets around the NHL, that scared some fans, but now, just two weeks after landing the talented blue liner, the team have announced a long-term extension.
FOUND NEMO 🐟
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 6, 2026
We've signed Simon Nemec to a five-year contract with an AAV of $7.25 million! pic.twitter.com/wcwIFTjmoC
Despite speculation that this could go as high as $9 million per season, the team took to social media on Monday to announce a five-year deal carrying an annual value of just $7.5 million per year. Sure, that's still a lot of money for an unproven defenseman, but after Bowen Byram went for the No. 4 overall pick and signed a long-term deal at $12.5 million per year, this looks like a steal for Craig Conroy and the Flames.
Only time will tell how this one pans out, but given the upside and the positional need, with the top four shaping up as one of the best young groups in the NHL, getting this deal done is a major win for both Nemec and the organization.
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