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New York Islanders Sign Brock Nelson To One-Year Deal

By Matt O'Leary
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 28: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders skates against the Washington Capitals at the Barclays Center on September 28, 2015 in Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Capitals defeated the Islanders 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 28: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders skates against the Washington Capitals at the Barclays Center on September 28, 2015 in Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Capitals defeated the Islanders 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The New York Islanders avoid arbitration and agree to a one-year deal with Restricted Free Agent Brock Nelson. The AAV is $4.25 million.

Luckily for the New York Islanders, they were able to avoid arbitration with Brock Nelson and signed him to a one-year deal. This is nothing new for the New York Islanders, who for the most part, have refused to hand out long-term deals this offseason.

As for the number, Brock went from a $3.5 million salary ($2.5 million cap hit) to $4.25 million for 2018-2019. The 26-year-old is coming off a 35 point season where he netted 19 goals and tallied 16 assists.

Each of the three seasons previous, he eclipsed the 40 point and 20 goal mark. Brock’s a tough player to pin down. At times he looks like he’s finally figuring it out at the NHL level, while other times he’ll go on a two-week stretch and look like he’s on cruise control.

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It’s not surprising to see Lou Lamoriello come in and give him a one-year prove it deal. He did it with Jan Kovar, Robin Lehner, and even Devon Toews’ and Ryan Pulock’s two-year deals are prove it contracts as well.

At face value, Brock Nelson at $4.25 million for one year isn’t a bad contract. Next summer when he hits UFA someone will give him $5 million. I’m not saying I’d do it, or it’s a smart play, but it’ll happen especially if he gets back over 40 points and 20 goals again.

To me, Nelson has come off as a guy who needs a change of scenery for the past two years. He has talent but I’m not sure he can put it together consistently enough at this level.

With a new coach, and a new system, perhaps Barry Trotz and company can get something out of him but I’d be rather surprised if the Islanders gave him a long-term deal, especially if he puts up his average numbers.

Next: Islanders 2018-2019 Center Depth Chart

I still think Brock’s best served as trade bait, and on a one-year deal at $4.25 million that’s a contract that someone would take a risk on. Don’t be shocked if he’s moved at some point this year.

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