Avalanche acquire Islanders' Brock Nelson in major NHL trade
The Colorado Avalanche have acquired veteran center Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders in a major deal ahead of Friday's NHL trade deadline, securing one of the most coveted players available.
The trade sends Nelson and forward William Dufour to Colorado in exchange for defenseman Oliver Kylington, forward Calum Ritchie, a first-round draft pick in 2026 or 2027, and a conditional third-round pick in 2028. The Islanders then moved Kylington to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations.
Nelson, 33, has spent his entire 12-year NHL career with the Islanders since being drafted 30th overall in 2010. A key piece for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Nelson is widely regarded as a top two-way center. He has scored over 30 goals in each of the past three seasons and remains a strong presence on both the power play and penalty kill.
In 61 games this season, Nelson has recorded 20 goals and 23 assists. He and the Islanders discussed a new contract leading up to the deadline but were unable to reach an agreement. Multiple teams, including the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild, were linked to Nelson before Colorado finalized the deal.
The Avalanche have sought a reliable No. 2 center since Nazem Kadri's departure following their 2022 Stanley Cup win. Nelson's addition provides Colorado with needed depth behind Nathan MacKinnon as the team prepares for a deep postseason run.
Dufour, 23, has spent this season with the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL), tallying 18 points in 45 games. Ritchie, 20, was drafted 27th overall by Colorado in 2023 and has played seven NHL games this season, scoring once.
The trade's draft picks come with conditions. If Colorado's 2026 first-round pick is unavailable due to a prior deal with Philadelphia, or if it lands in the top 10, New York will instead receive Colorado's 2027 first-rounder. The conditional third-round pick in 2028 will be triggered if the Avalanche win the 2025 Stanley Cup and Nelson plays in at least half of their playoff games.
This marks Colorado's second major trade of the deadline period after acquiring defenseman Ryan Lindgren from the New York Rangers earlier in the week.
For the Islanders, Nelson's departure could signal more moves ahead of the deadline, with veteran forward Kyle Palmieri on an expiring contract and Jean-Gabriel Pageau also drawing trade speculation.
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