New Intel on Brock Nelson's Future With Islanders

Brock Nelson continues to top trade boards around the league, as teams looking for an impact top-six forward are all eyeing the pending UFA as an ideal fit.

According to Pierre LeBrun on TSN's Insider Trading:

There are teams that would love to get into serious discussions with the NY Islanders on Brock Nelson. They really have not yet, and the reason is, no one is quite sure if he's actually going to be available or traded by Isles GM Lou Lamoriello, for a number of reasons: (1) the Islanders are back in the playoff race, (2), Lamoriello, regardless of the standings, hasn't always decided to trade his pending UFAs, and (3), the Islanders may try to still extend Brock Nelson.

And not long after LeBrun said that, we got word from a report on rg.org that extension offers are already on the table for Nelson:

“There is a good chance the Islanders extend Nelson to a short-term deal,” a source confirmed. “It is unlikely he agrees to a two-year deal, but there is an option for a three-year extension with the team right now.”

Then there's this from Chris Botta, who says that Nelson staying with the Isles seems to be the most likely scenario.

"Nelson’s first choice is to sign long-term with NYI. He’s close with several teammates, loves LI and the franchise, and believes in NYI’s potential to contend again. It is said that Brock feels very loyal to the Islanders, while also understanding he will be in high demand if he becomes a UFA".

But if for some reason he is dealt, LeBrun lists 4 teams that will be the top suitors:

Minnesota Wild
Dallas Stars
Winnipeg Jets
Toronto Maple Leafs

The Wild rumors have been ongoing for a while; The Stars will have plenty of cap room to make a couple of big moves; the Jets are going all-in and will want to make an impactful; and everyone knows that the Leafs are desperate for a productive middle-six center.