NHL Rumors: Could The Islanders Trade Brock Nelson?

Larry Brooks of The New York Post has ignited speculation regarding the potential trade of Brock Nelson, the veteran center for the New York Islanders.

As Nelson's contract nears its conclusion at the end of next season, Brooks posits that trading the 32-year-old could be a strategic move to revamp the Islanders' lineup and free up cap space.

Such a shift would potentially enable younger stars like Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat to assume larger roles, thereby injecting new energy into the team's core.

BROCK NELSON MAKES IT A ONE GOAL GAME AGAIN 😰 pic.twitter.com/fP3qKsaIWQ

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 26, 2024

This past season, the Nelson recorded 34 goals and 35 assists for 69 total points across 82 games played.

Brooks highlights that Nelson, with his robust track record and leadership qualities, would likely be a valuable asset on the trade market, possibly attracting teams seeking an experienced player to bolster their playoff prospects.

No bad ideas in a brainstorm!

Duffer asks @martybiron43 - would you try to trade for Brock Nelson if he were available this summer?

👍 OR 👎 pic.twitter.com/s1TfeSCv0j

— Sabres Live (@SabresLive) May 9, 2024

However, the feasibility of such a trade is complicated by Nelson's 16-team no-trade clause, which grants him considerable control over any potential move.

This clause, combined with similar contractual stipulations of other key players like Anders Lee and Ryan Pulock, adds complexity to any roster changes the Islanders might consider.

Nelson signed a 6-year, $36M contract extension ($6M AAV) back in 2019. Over his 11-year NHL career, spent entirely with the Islanders, has put up 275 goals and 256 assists for 531 total points across 840 games played. Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports