February 11, 2025 | 4:04pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

NELSON UNBOTHERED BY CONTRACT, TRADE SPECULATION

Brock Nelson, forward

With 24 days until the NHL trade deadline, there are plenty of rumours swirling over Brock Nelson’s future with the New York Islanders.

Nelson, 33, is in the final year of a six-year, $36 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. He also owns a 16-team no-trade list as part of his deal.

He and fellow veteran forward Kyle Palmieri, who is also in the last year of his respective contract, rank among the players on the TFP Trade Watch List and speculation over both of their futures has grown over the last few weeks.

As TFP’s David Pagnotta reported on Saturday, Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello has not yet tabled any formal contract offers to Nelson and his agent Ben Hankinson, despite a recent report suggesting a three-year offer was pitched.

Later Saturday evening, Elliotte Friedman reported the Islanders were planning on beginning contract negotiations with Nelson’s camp during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

“I think the Islanders are about to begin a real attempt to try to sign him and will see how that develops over the next couple of weeks,” Friedman said.

Nelson seemed unfazed when asked about his future with the organization on Tuesday by Ethan Sears of the New York Post.

“I want what’s best for me, my family and team and everything,” Nelson responded. “There’s a lot of factors that go into it. I know everybody kind of wants an answer right now. That’s not how the world works. You don’t always get what you want.

“Everything will sort itself out. Lou a great guy. I love playing for him. He’s a great guy. He’s given me a great opportunity the last seven years. He’s an influential guy in hockey in general. My agent has a great relationship with him and communicates with him and I know everything will kinda sort itself out.”

Several teams are interested in pursuing Nelson should he become available for trade, with clubs like the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild among those linked to him.

Since being drafted 30th overall by the Islanders in 2010, Nelson has played in 895 career regular-season games and has amassed 292 goals and 274 assists for 566 points, to date.

“Being familiar with the Island, different things and kids are settled down there, that’s a factor for sure,” Nelson said.