NHL Trade Rumors: Islanders may ship $36M center if playoff woes pile on

By Anjum Rajonno

Modified Aug 07, 2024 14:00 GMT

New York Islanders alternate captain Brock Nelson is entering the final season of his six-year, $36,000,000 contract. Nelson, who will be 33 this year, will see his next season’s performances determine the possibilities of an extension with the team.

According to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, Nelson’s trade prospects will heavily depend on how the Islanders' regular season goes. If the team is securely in a playoff spot, General Manager Lou Lamoriello will likely aim to strengthen the roster rather than trade key players.

Conversely, if the Islanders are out of playoff contention, Nelson could become a valuable trade asset. The Islanders notably missed the playoffs in 2022 and have been eliminated in the first round of playoffs in subsequent seasons.

Staple doubted if the veteran would fetch a return as high as a first-round pick and two second-round picks or a first-round pick and a top-3 prospect. He mentioned that there are always good players available at the trade deadline, referencing Jake Guentzel from the previous year, where high-value assets were not required in return.

“Nelson has been the team’s most consistent player the last five years, so I’m not firmly in the trade camp here. A lot rides on this season — unless Lamoriello decides to extend Nelson before this year begins,” Arthur Staple wrote.

He also acknowledged that there would be many interested teams in acquiring Nelson as a potential second-line center for contenders. Staple pointed out the potential cap space the Islanders could have if they do not re-sign any of their pending unrestricted free agents and buy out Anders Lee, estimating around $30 million in cap space. This amount could be reduced by the cost of Noah Dobson’s next contract but would still provide significant flexibility.

According to the analyst, a possible trade next season seems less than likely for Nelson. The player’s individual performances and team standings will have much to do with his extension in 2024-25.

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GM Lou Lamoriello is in no hurry for Brock Nelson's extension

As much of an asset Nelson is to the Islanders, their general manager Lou Lamoriello has made it clear that the team is in no urgency to extend contracts of their players who might hit free agency next season.

Earlier last week, the Islanders’ GM was asked for any available update on the contract extension of forwards Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson. In response, he mentioned that they are currently focusing on the team.

“At this point, there’s no urgency.” Lamoriello said. “That is not the focus right now.”

“That's not in any disrespect to them or anything. I think the focus right now is getting this team into the best situation we can,” he added.

Now the New York Islanders will be looking to regroup in the offseason and focus on a possible title-pursuing campaign in 2024-25.