The New York Islanders were hoping to push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, but with a lack of elite, dynamic players on their roster beyond Mat Barzal, they simply don't have the talent to keep up in the Eastern Conference.
With some expiring contracts, they've become seen as potential sellers ahead of the trade deadline, with no player more suitable as a top asset to move than veteran forward Brock Nelson.
The 33-year old has spent his entire career in New York thus far, but with 10 goals and 18 points in 30 games on a poor offensive team this season, it's safe to say that he'll draw plenty of interest across the league.
Now, one reporter has revealed two significant teams that are interested in Nelson, naming both the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers as teams that would want to add the veteran centre.
Potentially the biggest road block in making a deal happen could be General Manager Lou Lamoriello, who continues to insist that this team can compete for a spot in the post-season, but simply put, they just don't have the talent as they current sit at 11-12-7.
With teams getting more and more desperate at the trade deadline, a first-round pick or potentially multiple could be on the table, with TSN's Pierre LeBrun noting that both Minnesota and Dallas are also interested.
At this point, it makes perfect sense for the Islanders to sell Nelson, who becomes a UFA after the 2024/25 campaign, and while his value was certainly higher last season, if they play their cards right they could get a solid return for the veteran forward.
POLL | ||
2 HOURS AGO | 13 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers Linked in Trade Talks For 35-Goal Scorer Which team would be better with the addition of Brock Nelson? | ||
G | A | PTS | ||
Drake Batherson | 3 | - | 3 | |
Noah Gregor | 1 | - | 1 | |
Mika Zibanejad | 1 | - | 1 | |
Adam Fox | - | 1 | 1 | |
Nick Jensen | - | 1 | 1 | |
Josh Norris | - | 1 | 1 | |
Zack Ostapchuk | - | 1 | 1 | |
Artemi Panarin | - | 1 | 1 | |
Jake Sanderson | - | 1 | 1 | |
Tim Stutzle | - | 1 | 1 | |
Brady Tkachuk | - | 1 | 1 | |
Mike Amadio | - | - | - | |
Nicolas Aube-Kubel | - | - | - | |
Zach Benson | - | - | - | |
Brett Berard | - | - | - | |
Jacob Bernard-Docker | - | - | - | |
Bowen Byram | - | - | - | |
Leo Carlsson | - | - | - | |
Sam Carrick | - | - | - | |
Thomas Chabot | - | - | - | |
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Wild | 28 | 19 | 5 | 4 | 42 | |
Jets | 30 | 21 | 9 | - | 42 | |
Capitals | 27 | 19 | 6 | 2 | 40 | |
Golden Knights | 28 | 18 | 7 | 3 | 39 | |
Devils | 31 | 18 | 10 | 3 | 39 | |
Panthers | 29 | 18 | 9 | 2 | 38 | |
Hurricanes | 28 | 18 | 9 | 1 | 37 | |
Kings | 28 | 17 | 8 | 3 | 37 | |
Maple Leafs | 28 | 17 | 9 | 2 | 36 | |
Stars | 27 | 17 | 10 | - | 34 | |
Conference | Cumulative |