The Calgary Flames have been highly aggressive this off-season, and while they weren't active in free agency, the draft and the trade market have bore fruit for General Manager Craig Conroy and the organization.
The biggest acquisition for the Flames thus far has been defenseman Simon Nemec, who was once the No. 2 overall pick in the NHL Draft, with many believing his development was stifled by a lack of opportunity with the New Jersey Devils. While he's yet to step on the ice for the Flames, there's reported interest from both parties to get a long-term extension done, and given what promise the 22-year-old has shown thus far, it could be a massive deal.
Recently, we've seen several young blue liners sign deals, and with both Brandt Clarke and Pavel Mintyukov getting over $7 million per season on five-year deals, that sets a floor for contract talks from Nemec's perspective. So what's a number that makes sense?
According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, Nemec could demand $8 million per season on a long-term deal, and after posting 11 goals and 26 points across 68 games in a very limited role this past season, if he can take a leap, he could be worth that money on a long-term deal.
Following this, DSB Hockey on X revealed that the likelihood of getting this deal done will mean a 5 or 7 year extension, with the belief that the contract would be between $7.5 million and $8.5 million per season.
From what I’ve heard on the latest with RFA Simon Nemec and #Flames, there’s a mutual feeling to get this done soon and both sides are understanding and close on a deal. Could be done as soon as this week. I believe this contract would land at either a 5 or 7 year deal, at…
— DSB (@DSB_hockey) July 6, 2026
Obviously, plenty of things can change when the team and player come to the negotiating table, but right now we can guarantee that the deal won't be under $7.5 million per year, and with all of the speculation, it's likely to come in at $8 million or $8.5 million on a long-term deal.
Whether or not that ends up being worth it, only time will tell, but with a future top-four of Kevin Bahl, Simon Nemec, Carson Carels and Zayne Parekh, the future looks bright regardless.
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