How Islanders Can Get Brock Nelson To Stay

Brock Nelson is one of the biggest names that may be moved this season ahead of the trade deadline, but there are just rumors surrounding him at this point. The New York Islanders are in the playoff race sitting just four points out of a playoff spot, but this may be the team hasn't won a playoff round since 2020-21.

Insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Nelson wants to stay with the Islanders, but the veteran is wondering if they can still win. That is a question many are asking as the team seems to be in limbo and other trade rumors aren't encouraging.

Nelson has struggled this season compared to previous seasons, but it would help him a little more if the Islanders weren't always one of the lower scoring teams and he had some more productive wingers. He has scored 34+ goals in three consecutive seasons, but has just 17 goals in 55 games in 2024-25. He also has just 35 points, which is a much lower pace than he typically plays at.

Nelson is 33 years old and time is ticking for him to play for a real contender again and have a chance at winning the Stanley Cup. He could go to a contender this season and bolster whichever team he lands with. If that's the case, he could sign with another real contender in free agency.

There isn't much direction for the Islanders right now. They have been an older team for a while and a defensively-minded system isn't working as well for the team any longer. If Noah Dobson is indeed on the trade block and that is a move that is made, it sets the Islanders back even further, so they won't be competing any sooner.

Lou Lamoriello has to retire if the direction of the Islanders is going to change for the better. He has an attachment to veterans and the league is younger. Drafting hasn't been great for the Islanders either, so not many prospects have been able to come in and be game-changers to really push the team forward. The Islanders have to make some real waves in free agency to convince a player like Nelson that they can win. But at that point it will be too late. He is likely going to make his decision whether he wants to stay with the team ahead of the trade deadline.

Nelson is a former first round pick by the Islanders back in 2010 and he has played his entire career for the team. He has eight playoff appearances and got the closest to reaching the top in 2020 and 2021. I don't think the Islanders are close to leaping over many teams, if any, in the standings in the next few seasons, so Nelson is best going to chase a Cup elsewhere if that's what his end goal is.