The Colorado Avalanche’s general manager, Chris MacFarland, surprised everyone with a significant trade this week. The team has acquired center Brock Nelson and prospect William Dufour from the New York Islanders. In return, Colorado is sending top prospect Calum Ritchie, a future first-round pick, and defenseman Oliver Kylington to New York.
Head coach Jared Bednar expressed excitement about the new addition, praising Nelson’s size and skills. “He’s a big, strong player who can skate and has been very productive. Adding someone of his caliber is a big deal for us,” Bednar said.
Nelson, at 33 years old, has had a strong season, scoring 20 goals and tallying 43 points. He was seen as a top rental player in the market, especially as he approaches the end of his contract. “He’s an amazing player. I’m excited we’ll be teammates,” said Avs star Nathan MacKinnon, who has trained alongside Nelson.
In terms of future picks, the Avalanche owe a first-round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers from a previous deal. If that pick doesn’t happen until 2026 or if it’s one of the top 10 selections, the Islanders will receive a 2027 first-round pick instead. The conditional third-round pick in 2028 will only go to the Islanders if Colorado wins the Stanley Cup in 2025 and Nelson plays a significant role in the playoffs.
During the last three seasons, Nelson has scored at least 34 goals each year and set a career-high with 75 points in 2022-23. His addition shows a strong commitment from the Avalanche’s management to win now, as Cale Makar noted, reflecting on his recent performance. “It’s great to see management’s faith in us. They want to give us the best chance to win,” he said.
Ritchie was Colorado’s first-round pick in 2023 and had been considered their top prospect. He spent a brief time with the Avalanche this season before returning to his junior team. Meanwhile, Dufour, 23, was drafted in the fifth round in 2020. He stands 6-foot-3 and has played one game in the NHL, contributing eight goals and 18 points in 45 AHL games this year.
This trade marks MacFarland’s sixth transaction since the season began, which underlines the team’s effort to strengthen their roster. With Ritchie’s departure, Mikhail Gulyayev, selected after Ritchie in the 2023 draft, is now viewed as the top prospect in the organization.
The Avalanche have faced challenges with injuries throughout the season, but the recent win against the Sharks has helped lift spirits. Coach Bednar finally had most of his players available except for captain Gabe Landeskog when the trade was made, a move that signals the team’s intent to capture a second championship in four years.
“We need to win now,” MacKinnon said firmly. “These are our years. We have to make the most of it.”
Check out this related article: John Schneider Breaks Silence: His Take on DK Metcalf’s Trade Request
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