Islanders Trade Brock Nelson to Avalanche Ahead of NHL Deadline

The veteran center was dealt after contract negotiations fell through, signaling a shift for New York as Colorado bolsters its playoff ambitions.

Brock Nelson, a 12-season veteran with the Islanders, was traded to the Colorado Avalanche along with prospect William Dufour late Thursday night.
The Islanders received forward Calum Ritchie, a first-round pick in 2026 or 2027, a conditional third-round pick in 2028, and defenseman Oliver Kylington, who was subsequently traded to the Ducks for future considerations.
Nelson, a pending unrestricted free agent, has 20 goals and 23 assists in 61 games this season and ranks fourth in Islanders history with 901 games played.
The Avalanche aim to fill a critical second-line center role with Nelson, enhancing their playoff prospects in the competitive Western Conference.
The Islanders retain 50% of Nelson's $6 million cap hit and remain on the fringe of the Eastern Conference wild-card race, with speculation surrounding further potential moves.