Exciting Trade Alert: Nelson Joins the Avalanche from Islanders – NHL News Update

Brock Nelson has been traded from the New York Islanders to the Colorado Avalanche. In return, the Islanders received defenseman Oliver Kylington, forward prospect Calum Ritchie, as well as conditional draft picks: a first-round pick in 2026 and a third-round pick in 2028. Colorado also picked up forward prospect William Dufour in the deal.

Nelson, 33, is having a solid season with 43 points — including 20 goals and 23 assists — in 61 games. He’s been a top scorer for the Islanders, leading the team in goals for the last five seasons. This trade comes as he finishes the final year of a six-year contract signed in 2019.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed excitement about the trade, calling Nelson a “huge add” for the team. He highlighted Nelson’s skills, describing him as a big and strong center who is both productive and dependable. “Adding a player of Brock’s caliber is hard to do,” Bednar noted.

Nelson was drafted by the Islanders in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft. Over his career, he has accumulated 574 points in 901 regular-season games and has performed well in the playoffs, scoring 50 points in 78 games.

Bednar stressed the importance of strengthening the center position, especially for playoff performance. “Brock’s size and skating ability will help us in crucial games,” he added.

On the flip side, Dufour has shown promise, putting up 18 points in 45 games in the AHL this season. The 23-year-old was drafted by New York in 2020. Meanwhile, Ritchie has also displayed talent, netting one goal in seven NHL games and having a notable season in the OHL with 67 points in 41 games.

Kylington, who is now with Anaheim, had four points in 13 games for Colorado this season after signing a one-year deal. He has played in 214 regular-season games and contributed to playoff teams with both the Flames and Avalanche.

As for the standings, Colorado has won four consecutive games and sits tied for third place in the Central Division. The Islanders are currently chasing a playoff spot, trailing the Ottawa Senators by four points.

Bednar reflected on the trade’s significance, noting it shows the management’s belief in the team’s potential. “Now, it’s on us to perform well and aim for success in the playoffs,” he said. The Avalanche are looking to make a strong playoff push with Nelson’s help.

Regarding the draft picks, if the 2026 first-round pick goes to the Philadelphia Flyers due to earlier trade conditions or if it falls in the top 10, Colorado will then send its first-round pick in 2027 to New York. As for the third-round pick in 2028, it hinges on the Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup and Nelson participating in at least half of their playoff games.