Brock Nelson “Indifferent” To Extension Talks With Islanders

According to Ethan Shears in the New York Post on Friday, longtime New York Islanders center Brock Nelson "is in no rush for a contract extension."

The 11-year veteran, who turns 33 next month, is in the final year of his six-year, $6 million AAV contract, but he isn't putting any pressure or deadlines on the Islanders to reach a new deal.

That said, per Shears, Nelson indicated "that he is open to negotiating an extension during the season if that route is open."

I’m indifferent. I know that’s the backside of it, but at the same time, right now it’s just coming in here, working and playing. Having fun and worrying about your game. All that will sort itself out.
(I’m) pretty comfortable with (GM) Lou (Lamoriello) and have a great relationship with him. Kind of sort things out and see how they play out.

He's a cornerstone piece of the Islanders' core group, and has posted three consecutive seasons with well over 30 goals, all coming after he entered his 30s. Last season, Nelson posted 34 goals and 69 points in 82 games while playing 18:05 per night as the second-line center.

If no deal can be reached in-season, would they consider trading Nelson as he heads into his pending unrestricted free agency?

Sears figures the only way they'd entertain that is if the season goes awry for the Isles and they "severely underperformed". And even then, Nelson owns a 16-team no-trade clause.

He would, however, undoubtedly be one of the top trade pieces available for contenders if it comes to that.