New York Islanders Brock Nelson over-under 39.5 points

For the first time in four seasons, New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson wasn’t able to eclipse the 40 point mark on the season.

If there’s one guy who drives New York Islanders fans crazy it’s Brock Nelson. Nelson, since being drafted in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft has been fairly mediocre in his NHL career to date.

The issue with Brock is that he is never able to grow and reach his full potential and he is one of the more streaky players I’ve ever seen. If hockey was played in only October Brock would be a superstar.

In 49 career games in the month of October, Nelson has 37 points a pace of 62 over the course of a full season. His problem is he comes out of the gates way too hot, and then slows down in the winter months.

Nelson usually ends up with about 20 goals and 40 points, which is an okay season but it’s nothing near what he could be. With Nelson’s shot, there’s no reason for him to score less than 25 goals in a season.

Just this past year, Brock put up 35 points and 19 goals. It was his worst year in the league since his rookie season. Going into this year Brock will be fighting for the second line center role, a position he had in 2016-2017 when he had a career-high 45 points.

If he lands the role he could potentially be playing with Anders Lee and Josh Bailey two guys who will boost his offensive production. So if the number is set at 39.5 for Brock, I’m putting a ton of money on the over.

The Islanders have a new coach and a new system. Barry Trotz should be able to maximize Brock’s potential and get him to push close to 50 points. If he’s playing with Lee and Bailey that’s a ton of assists just waiting for him.

Something like 27 goals, 21 assists (48 points) seems about right. Bailey is a solid playmaker who will likely be able to set up Brock with scoring opportunities.

If Lou was smart he’d capitalize on Nelson’s value and try to use him in a trade for an Artemi Panarin or a big name defenseman.

Some sucker is going to give Nelson a long-term deal worth about $5 million AAV this coming July. I just hope Lou Lamoriello isn’t that sucker.