Rumor: Former first rounder up for trade

A new name has officially hit the trade block according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. The New York Islanders could lose their star forward and captain this off-season and they are currently doing everything they can to keep him in their line-up this coming season.

According to a report form Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, rumor has it the the Isles would be willing to trade one of their top forwards aside from John Tavares, Brock Nelson. In Friedman's 31 thoughts, he stated that Brock Nelson's name has creeped out in the trade rumor mill.

A name starting to creep out there: Brock Nelson. With Johnny Boychuk and Calvin de Hann out, the Islanders need help on the blue line. There will be interest. He’s a good player, slotted behind John Tavares and Mathew Barzal. I’m not even sure he’d be available if the Islanders weren’t in a “missing the playoffs is not an option” stage, although he is one year from unrestricted free agency. I’m told Nelson is very hard on himself, which can affect anyone, but I’ll always take that over someone who doesn’t care enough.

Nelson was the 30th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Islanders and has stayed in their lineup ever since. If the New York organization were to trade Nelson, it would be a nice attempt at trying to keep Tavares within the club. However, there has been some chatter as what New York could acquire if they were to trade Nelson, maybe a solid blue liner to guard the line that could become of a liking for the captain.

Considering how many teams are needing a centreman, there wouldn't be a shortage of offers for the organization. In 43 games so far this season, Nelson has notched 9 goals and 5 assists for 14 points total.

If the Islanders were to trade Nelson, who should they acquire?