New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson linked to Stanley Cup contender
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
GM Lou Lamoriello and the New York Islanders might find themselves in a tough situation where they will have to trade forward Brock Nelson who is a pending UFA.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly on the hunt for some much needed depth at center & have been linked to New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson as a prime target. Team insider James Mirtle recently suggested that Toronto will reach out to former Leafs general manger Lou Lamoriello who is now with the Islanders to discuss a potential trade for Nelson.
Toronto has struggled to solidify the center position with recent experiments involving Max Domi & William Nylander falling short. The team is looking for a strong third line center as current options David Kampf & Calle Jarnkrok aren't providing the desired impact. Mirtle noted on the JD Bunkis Podcast that Nelson could be a perfect fit.
«The one name, and like it's a long way to go to the trade deadline in March but the one name I saw who's potentially out there is Brock Nelson. He would be the perfect size, can score, he's not a shutdown center but he's not going to kill you in your own end either. The Islanders would need to fall out and want to move off of him, and he would be expensive to get a player like that.
«They don't have a first-round to give up, they need to give up a future first-rounder, you have to give up something substantial to make it happen. If you could bring in a center like that and get the other team to retain half the salary so it fits in comfortably, you start putting together the lines and you're like 'Now there's something.'»
«They don't have a first-round to give up, they need to give up a future first-rounder, you have to give up something substantial to make it happen. If you could bring in a center like that and get the other team to retain half the salary so it fits in comfortably, you start putting together the lines and you're like 'Now there's something.'»
Nelson, who will become an unrestricted free agent at the season's end, has been a consistent leader for the Islanders, scoring 107 goals and 203 points in his last 236 games. His veteran presence & scoring depth especially with 50 points over 78 playoff games would be a valuable asset as the Leafs prepare for a deep post season run.
Acquiring Nelson however wouldn't be cheap. Mirtle explained that Toronto might need to give up a future first round pick or other valuable assets. If the Islanders are open to it & could retain some of Nelson's salary the Leafs could finally lock down the center depth they've been missing. Given Nelson's skill set & leadership Mirtle believes he's worth pursuing.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 1 | 43 ANSWERS New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson linked to Stanley Cup contender Do you think New York Islanders center Brock Nelson is a good fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 27 | 62.8 % |
| No | 16 | 37.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
