The NHL saw a flurry of significant trades on a busy Tuesday, reshaping rosters and exciting fanbases.
New Jersey Devils Send Simon Nemec to Calgary Flames
In a major move, the New Jersey Devils have traded defenseman Simon Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames. In return, the Flames have acquired these two players by sending the Devils a 2026 second-round pick (previously acquired from the New York Rangers), a 2027 first-round pick (from the Vegas Golden Knights), a 2028 first-round pick (from the Colorado Avalanche) – both first-round picks are top 10 protected – and prospect Etienne Morin.
The Flames are gaining the second overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft, Simon Nemec, a defenseman capable of playing top-four minutes on the right side. He has demonstrated the ability to contribute on the first power play and has shown offensive leadership from the blueline, as seen with Team Slovakia at the Olympics. This acquisition allows the Flames to secure a high-quality defenseman without using their own premium draft selections.
William Eklund Heads to Ottawa Senators
Shortly after the Nemec trade, the Ottawa Senators sent the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the San Jose Sharks. In exchange, the Senators receive forward William Eklund, along with prospects Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda. Senators GM Steve Staios had indicated that his phone was busy regarding the 9th and 25th overall picks, and the team aimed to acquire an NHL-ready player to benefit their long-term strategy, especially following the trade of Brady Tkachuk.
Eklund is seen as a smart addition for Ottawa, recognized as an offensive play-driver whose finishing skills are expected to develop over time. The Senators opted to use their high draft capital to acquire a player who can contribute to their current timeline rather than making another draft selection.
Jordan Kyrou Traded to Washington Capitals
The trade speculation surrounding Jordan Kyrou in St. Louis has concluded. The Blues have sent the forward to the Washington Capitals. In return, St. Louis receives the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, prospect Connor McMichael, and center Milton Gastrin. Kyrou had reportedly waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the move to Washington.
The Capitals bolster their lineup with a top-six scoring winger, an area they sought to address since the trade deadline. Kyrou is described as a dynamic winger with strong offensive skills, particularly in transition, and a solid defensive game, though his finishing ability experienced a dip this past season.
