Calgary Flames Summary

The Calgary Flames have made significant roster moves as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. Most notably, they acquired defenseman Simon Nemec from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for two future first-round picks and the No. 35 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

This trade marks the first major move for Devils' new general manager Sunny Mehta, as he seeks to bolster his team's roster for contention. Flames' general manager Craig Conroy has expressed confidence in Nemec's potential, given his pedigree as a former second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Meanwhile, the Flames are actively exploring trade options for young forward Connor Zary, who has struggled with consistency and injuries since being drafted 24th overall in 2020. Reports indicate that Calgary is asking for a second-round pick in exchange for Zary, as they aim to optimize their lineup ahead of the draft.

Fans have reacted positively to the acquisition of Nemec, with 83.8% of respondents to a social media poll expressing approval of the trade. As the Flames strategize around their No. 6 overall pick in the draft, they remain focused on building a competitive team for the future.

This proactive approach underlines their commitment to enhancing their roster through both trades and draft capital, setting the stage for an exciting offseason in Calgary.