Calgary Flames defenseman Simon Nemec wants to show that the New Jersey Devils made a mistake in trading him.
“I just want to prove to everyone that New Jersey wasn’t right,” Nemec told The Hockey News’ David Alter.
The Flames acquired Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov from the Devils for two conditional first-round picks, a second-round pick, and prospect Etienne Morin in June. Calgary subsequently signed Nemec to a five-year contract with a $7.25-million cap hit in July.
New Jersey drafted Nemec second overall in 2022, but the Slovakian got stuck in the Devils’ logjam on the back end.
“I think I couldn’t play my best hockey,” Nemec said. “I wasn’t given the opportunity that I want, and at the end of the day, they decided it’s best for me – and for them – to get traded. And I’m happy with that.”
The 22-year-old set career highs of 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games last season.
Nemec didn’t get significant minutes on the man advantage in New Jersey with Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes ahead of him on the depth chart.
“I want to be on the No. 1 power play,” Nemec told NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti. “I think Calgary can offer me that. I need to fight for that, but I will be ready for it. … We were three guys in New Jersey. We all wanted to play first power play, and it didn’t work well for me. I think in Calgary, I can show that I can be a No. 1 power-play guy.”
Nemec explained that although he didn’t request a trade out of New Jersey, he’s excited for the opportunity to have a larger role with the Flames.
“That was a good spot for me, for the team,” he said. “I feel like they need a player like me. I can play a lot of minutes there. I can be part of the future there and be one of the leaders of the team.”
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Source: Sports Hockey – The Score
