March 2, 2025 | 10:14pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

NELSON A TARGET FOR THE AVALANCHE?

Brock Nelson, forward

The Colorado Avalanche want to add a second-line centre and have been on the lookout for several weeks. With Friday’s NHL trade deadline fast approaching, the Avs may up their efforts in bolstering their lineup this week.

It has been widely reported that Colorado GM Chris MacFarland is combing the trade landscape in an attempt to add to his top-six forward corps.

The Avs are believed to be dangling centre Casey Mittelstadt, who currently ranks No.7 on the TFP Trade Watch List, and would like to add a mid-20s centre in return.

However, MacFarland is also weighing his options and could enter the rental market if the right opportunity arises.

One player the Avalanche are believed to have interest is in New York Islanders centre Brock Nelson, who has also drawn serious interest from the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets, among others.

The Islanders have not yet decided if they will sell off players like Nelson or winger Kyle Palmieri, both of whom are currently eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1.

Currently five points back of a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, the Islanders’ next two games on Monday and Tuesday will likely dictate what GM Lou Lamoriello does ahead of the deadline.

Nelson, 33, owns a 16-team no-trade list as part of his contract, which comes with a $6 million salary cap hit.

In 59 games with the Islanders so far this season, Nelson has registered 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points.