So Long, Simon: New Jersey Devils trade former 2nd Overall Pick to Calgary Flames

The episode begins with Zach Berman reacting to the New Jersey Devils’ first major move under new general manager Sunny Mehta: trading former second overall pick Šimon Nemec and Max Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames. In exchange, the Devils received significant draft capital—a pair of first-round picks (2027 from Colorado via Calgary, 2028 from Vegas via Calgary), the 34th overall pick in this year’s second round, and prospect Étienne Morin. Zach Berman analyzes the components of the deal, noting that while Morin is a throw-in, the value lies in acquiring such high draft picks for a player the Devils no longer saw as a core defenseman. Zach Berman expresses mixed emotions about Nemec's departure, acknowledging both his memorable highs in New Jersey and his inconsistent performance. Citing Nemec's less-than-stellar analytics and possible locker room friction, Zach Berman frames the trade as timely—maximizing Nemec’s value before his potential further decline. He reasons that the Devils must act aggressively with their new assets, forecasting that these draft picks are more likely to be flipped in trades for established talent rather than used to select prospects. The episode also recaps other notable league moves, including the Washington Capitals’ acquisition of Jordan Kyrou, a player Zach Berman had hoped could land in New Jersey. He details the return St. Louis received for Kyrou and discusses San Jose’s surprising trade of William Eklund to Ottawa. Reflecting on missed opportunities, Zach Berman emphasizes how fast the landscape can shift and laments that the Devils were outbid or left out of contention for top wingers, underscoring the necessity for their front office to act decisively and creatively with their current trade ammunition. Turning forward, Zach Berman speculates on possible targets for the Devils using their new draft capital, mentioning names like Jason Robertson, Kirill Marchenko, and Jared McCann, among others. He is adamant that the Devils are unlikely to keep the twelfth overall pick, suggesting a major trade is probable. Zach Berman concludes with optimism about the Devils’ future under Sunny Mehta, recognizing the competence of the new general manager and setting fan expectations for more pivotal moves in a rapidly evolving NHL offseason. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LODevils?sid=Y... Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Subscribe to Locked On Devils! Follow me on the "X" app: @zachbrettberman Follow the show on the "X" app: @LockedOnDevils Listen to Locked On Devils: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnDevils For your next listen, check out the Locked On NHL podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Listener Survey: We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go tohttps://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money: Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner. Visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Thumbnail credit: USA TODAY #NewJerseyDevils #Devils #NHL