It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The 2024-25 NHL regular season has already kicked off with two games between the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils. However, the rumours keep flowing all year long. Some teams have already gotten some important business done with major extensions. These contract talks mostly slow down, but some deals get done during the season.
This edition of NHL rumours focuses on the New York Islanders and a possible extension for one of their mainstays. All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Islanders Stalwart Willing to Talk Extension
Rumour: Ethan Sears of The New York Post looked into a possible new deal for veteran forward Brock Nelson. The longtime Islander is open to talking extension during the upcoming season.
Analysis: Nelson has played all 11 seasons with the Isles and has 840 games under his belt. The soon-to-be 33-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He currently has a $6 million cap hit.
Nelson said that he’d be open with talking his next contract during the season. Some players don’t want to talk contracts during the season and focus on the game. However, Nelson has a pretty good relationship with general manger Lou Lamoriello.
Sears’ article said that Nelson knows that he’s on the backend of his career. However, he added that he loves playing on Long Island. The Warroad, Minn. native has made the area his home and has been a big part of the team’s lineup for over a decade.
Earning His Keep
Despite his age, Nelson has been a productive member of the Islanders’ roster. The veteran forward has scored 30-plus games for three consecutive seasons. His best campaign was in 2021-22 when he bagged 37.
Nelson will likely yield another deal if he continues his strong play from the last three seasons. Lamoriello probably wants to wait and see before committing to a new deal. However, Nelson is going to make it hard for the Isles GM to not offer a new deal.
Nelson’s play has been strong the last few seasons. However, there may be other factors at play when it comes a contract extension.
Possible Trade Bait
It may be unthinkable, but Nelson could be a trade target this season. Nelson’s name could come up if the Isles fall out of the Stanley Cup Playoff race. His $6 million cap hit would be digestible any team that needs veteran leadership.
It would be an odd sight to see Nelson in a different uniform. However, it’s the nature of the business. Lamoriello could get a nice return for Nelson if the Isles do fall out of contention.
However, New York made the post-season last year under head coach Patrick Roy. There’s hope the Islanders will be in the mix to return to the playoffs. New York being in post-season contention would force Lamoriello’s hand. Playing meaningful games into April will likely mean Nelson likely gets to finish his career in Long Island.
Main photo by: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
