Brock Nelson Traded in Massive Deal Involving Multiple First-Round Picks

The New York Islanders are just four points back of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but their chances of making the playoffs are pretty dicey to say the least.

The team is just 4-6-0 over their last ten games and has a -14 goal differential, which is usually a good predictor that the team won't make the playoffs.

Even if they did squeak in, they would likely be out in the first round as the Washington Capitals were last season after they made the playoffs with a -37 goal differential.

As such, Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello decided to pull the trigger on a major move last night.

He sent Islanders fan favorite Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for prospect Calum Ritchie, a 1st round pick in the 2026 draft, and a 3rd round pick in the 2028 draft that could upgrade to another 1st rounder.

Immediately after the trade was completed, the Islanders turned around and sent defenseman Oliver Kylington, whom they acquired in the deal, to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations, almost making this a three-team trade in a sense.

Nelson was one of the biggest names available on the trade board, so teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were reportedly heavily interested in Nelson, will now have to look elsewhere for their last-minute additions.

Nelson has 20 goals and 43 points in 61 games this season, and should be a great fit as the second line center on a strong Avalanche team.

The 33-year-old has not been past the first round of the playoffs since 2021 when the team was swept in the Eastern Conference finals.

He has never won a Stanley Cup but will have just as good a chance as anybody with the Avalanche this June.