Chris Johnson and Pierre LeBrun reveal Islanders' Brock Nelson's Top Two Trade Destinations
Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun revealed the top two trade destinations for the New York Islanders' veteran Brock Nelson.
Brock Nelson is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and many experts believe he will be traded by the struggling Islanders before the deadline.
Currently 8th in the Metropolitan Division, changes must be made in New York. Parting ways with Nelson might not be an ideal scenario from the fans' perspective, but if he decides to trade him, GM Lou Lamoriello could bring something interesting to the team in return.
Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston of The Athletic recently shared their thoughts on the possible trade destinations for Nelson.
Per LeBrun, the Dallas Stars should target him:
And while the Stars have plenty of depth up front, general manager Jim Nill has never been shy about adding at the deadline when he's going for it.
And this team remains very much in its go-for-it window. The fly in the ointment when it comes to Nelson's actual availability is that Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello hasn't always seen value in moving his pending UFAs, regardless of where his team is in the standings.
But I believe Nelson intends to test free agency on July 1, so one would think that will influence Lamoriello's decision, depending on where the Isles are in the standings. Nelson to the Stars. I like it. I like it a lot."
As for Johnston, he believes a deal with the Minnesota Wild seems probable:
Nelson would be an ideal fit for a team looking to parlay a better-than-expected start into a long spring. He's a big, powerful north-south skater who can slot in as a second-line center or play on the wing. He's a trusted veteran with 78 games of playoff experience already under his belt.
And he's a pending unrestricted free agent who may consider sticking around his home state rather than testing the open market. Acquiring Nelson would require some serious salary-cap gymnastics now that the Wild are operating in long-term injured reserve, but what's that old saying? Where there's a will, there's a way."
Brock Nelson, 33, spent his whole professional hockey career with the New York Islanders. Since being drafted 30th overall in 2010 by the Isles, he took part in 875 regular season games, as well as 78 playoff games in New York.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 247 ANSWERS Chris Johnson and Pierre LeBrun reveal Islanders' Brock Nelson's Top Two Trade Destinations Do you think Brock Nelson will be traded by the New York Islanders this season? | ||
| Yes | 183 | 74.1 % |
| No | 64 | 25.9 % |
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