In Nemec, the Flames get a 6-foot-1, 190-lb. right-shot blueliner who was a second-overall pick in the 2022 draft. And at just 22 years old, he immediately becomes one of Calgary’s youngest players, while boasting a tantalizing pedigree Conroy believes will be unlocked with an increase in opportunity.

“The next 10 to 15 years, you’re hoping that he’s a Calgary Flame and that he helps us win,” Conroy said. “That’s the goal. 

“For him, he wanted to have maybe a bigger role and we’re going to be able to give him that here with the Flames.”

Nemec appeared in 68 games last year, recording 11 goals and 26 points, while averaging 19:40 in ice time and finishing above 50% in even-strength possession.

He isn’t your prototypical ‘puck-moving’ D – instead, opting to jump up in the offence and make plays off the rush, almost like a rover.

So, how does this all fit in at the Saddledome, with Zayne Parekh, Zach Whitecloud and Hunter Brzustewicz already on the right side?

Easy.

“I really enjoyed watching Zayne at the end of the year on the left side,” Conroy said. “In fact, in talking to Zayne during the exit interviews, he said he felt more comfortable on the left and loved playing with Whitecloud. That freed me up to think about this, too, when I was doing it. 

“Both are offensive-type players, but Zayne is probably your PP1 guy and Nemec is going to play both special teams and play against top players, too.”

Nemec is in need of a new contract as a restricted free agent. Conroy has already touched base with both the player and his agent and anticipates those conversations to get underway in the near future.

But for now, his focus lies squarely on the draft, which kicks off with Round 1 this Friday at 5 p.m. MT and remains one of the most pivotal in franchise history.

Conroy laughs when asked about the number of picks – conceding that Tuesday’s deal leaves his talented amateur-scouting staff with ‘only’ 10 of the 11 they began the week with. 

“Our amateur guys, they understand if you can go get a player of this calibre, you have to pay a premium,” he said. “To be able to go and get a player – a second-overall pick – like this and the way we see him on our team next year and beyond…

“He’s really been trending in the right direction. Especially in the last half of last year, his game was taking off.

“We’re very happy.”