March 6, 2025 | 11:52pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

AVALANCHE ACQUIRE NELSON FROM ISLANDERS

Brock Nelson, forward

The Colorado Avalanche have acquired centre Brock Nelson and forward William Dufour from the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman Oliver Kylington, forward Calum Ritchie, a 2026 first-round pick and a conditional 2028 third-round pick.

The Islanders have also retained 50 percent of Nelson’s contract.

If the 2026 draft pick is transferred to Philadelphia subject to terms of a previous trade, or it is not transferred and is in the top-10 of the 2026 NHL Draft, then Colorado will send its 2027 first-round pick to New York.

Colorado’s conditional 2028 third-round pick will be met should the Avalanche win the 2025 Stanley Cup and Nelson plays in at least 50% of his team’s playoff games.

Nelson, 33, has registered 20 goals and 23 assists for 43 points in 61 games with the Islanders this season.

He as ranked No.2 on the TFP Trade Watch List.

Now in his 12th NHL season, Nelson has compiled 295 goals and 279 assists for 574 points in 901 career regular-season games – all with the Islanders.

A native of Warroad, Minn., Nelson was originally drafted in the first round (30th overall) by the Islanders in the 2010 NHL Draft.

Dufour, 23, has played in 45 games this season for the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL), registering eight goal and 10 assists for 18 points.

He was originally drafted by the Islanders in the fifth round (152nd overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Ritchie played in seven games for Colorado this season, scoring a goal before returning to the Oshawa Generals (Ontario Hockey League).

The Oakville, Ontario native was selected by the Avalanche in the first round (27th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Kylington, has played in 214 career NHL games, scoring 59 points (18 goals and 41 assists) with the Avalanche and Calgary Flames. The Stockholm, Sweden native was selected by selected by the Flames in the second round (60th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.

UPDATE:

The Islanders have traded Kylington to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations.