Nemec Set for Flames Debut as Canucks Visit Saddledome
Calgary hosts Vancouver on Tuesday night in a preseason game expected to feature most of the Flames' veterans, including new defenseman Simon Nemec.
Simon Nemec is expected to make his Calgary Flames debut Tuesday when the Vancouver Canucks visit Scotiabank Saddledome.
Nemec was the centerpiece of a June trade between Calgary and New Jersey and arrives with a new five-year contract. The No. 2 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft has skated with former Devils teammate Kevin Bahl during camp. Nemec scored 11 goals for New Jersey last season, including an overtime winner at the Saddledome.
Coach Ryan Huska has kept Calgary's two practice groups intact during camp, one featuring many NHL veterans and the other younger players and AHL veterans. Huska said each group was expected to play one home game and one road game before the Flames open the regular season Oct. 1 against Seattle.
Calgary is coming off a 4-2 preseason loss to the Kraken. Aydar Suniev scored both Flames goals, giving him all three of Calgary's goals across the Next Gen Showcase and its first preseason game. Sam Honzek added an assist.
Vancouver opened its preseason Saturday with a 4-2 loss in Seattle. Braeden Cootes and Arshdeep Bains scored for the Canucks.
