The Colorado Avalanche have made a significant splash in the NHL trade market by acquiring elite center Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. The deal sends Nelson back to his former team, but with a crucial change in perspective.
Nelson, 31, has been one of the most dominant centers in the league over the past few seasons, producing offense like a legitimate first-liner and showing a well-rounded game as both a scorer and playmaker. He was a key component in the Islanders’ success during their playoff push last season, but injuries limited his impact this year.
The Avalanche, on the other hand, were in desperate need of an elite center to anchor their lineup. With the recent struggles of Mittelstadt, they knew they needed to make a move to upgrade their depth chart. Nelson’s addition solidifies the team’s competitiveness and positions them well for a deep run in the playoffs.
The Islanders, meanwhile, have taken a proactive approach to retooling their roster after years of decimating their pipeline to compete. They received an absolute haul in return for Nelson, including a first-round pick and top prospect Calle Ridderwall (Ritchie). This trade marks a significant shift in the team’s strategy, as they prioritize building a strong foundation for next season rather than trying to battle it out in the playoffs.
Overall, the Avalanche have made an intelligent move by acquiring Brock Nelson, and the Islanders have taken a huge step forward with their retooling efforts. Both teams are now poised for success in the coming seasons.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6182797/2025/03/07/nhl-trade-grades-nelson-avalanche-islanders