New York Islanders Veteran Players Fans Want Traded

Brock Nelson

Brock Nelson is that player who’s got everything needed to be a great NHL player. If not for that uncanny ability to just stop playing at any point during the season.

On some nights Brock seems to score or find opportunities at will, but just as easily, Brock just seems to ghost out of games. Like he just couldn’t be bothered. Which bothers New York Islanders fans greatly.

So what are Brock’s strengths? How about his ability to score 20-25 goals and 40-45 points a year, guaranteed. Well, maybe not guaranteed, but certainly as close to guaranteed as possible. Brock’s averaged 42.5 points in the last three seasons.

He’s a pending UFA on a tiny $2.5 million cap hit through the 2017-18 season. Teams up against the cap could take Nelson to fill any gaps in their roster.

I know I sent Bailey to division rival Pittsburgh, and I tried to find a match for Nelson outside of the already stacked Metropolitan Division, but the best fit in my mind’s eye is Washington. Sending him to the Capitals would have to return at least defensive prospect Lucas Johansen.

Johansen’s a promising young left-handed defenseman playing out in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets. He’s put up back-to-back 40 point seasons. A trade for Brock starts with him. With both Pulock and Pelech likely making the jump to the NHL this season he and Toews can be the rear guards.