The New Jersey Devils have dealt defenseman Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames in exchange for two top-10 protected first-round picks, a second-round pick and 21-year-old defensive prospect Etienne Morin.

The first-round selections come via the Vegas Golden Knights in 2027 and the Colorado Avalanche in 2028. New Jersey also receives a 2026 second-round pick, originally belonging to the New York Rangers. Veteran winger Maxim Tsyplakov accompanies Nemec to Calgary.

Nemec, 22, was selected second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. He posted career highs in goals (11) and points (26) this past season after appearing in just 27 regular-season games the year prior. He played 155 regular-season games and four playoff contests across his Devils tenure.

The trade marks one of the first major transactions for new Devils general manager Sunny Mehta, who succeeded Tom Fitzgerald following his dismissal in April. Fitzgerald had fielded calls on Nemec during the season, and Mehta moved the restricted free agent rather than committing to a substantial contract extension.

New Jersey retains a deep defensive core, headlined by 22-year-old Luke Hughes, who signed a seven-year deal prior to this season. The Devils now hold five first-round picks over the next three years and carry approximately $13.1 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia.

Calgary general manager Craig Conroy has pursued NHL-ready talent in the 18-to-23 age range. Nemec's 26 points last season would have ranked second among Flames defensemen. The Flames do not have a contract extension in place with Nemec as part of the deal.

Nemec has represented Slovakia internationally, winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Olympics.