Islanders: Brock Nelson Discusses Team Culture

When Barry Trotz became the Head Coach of the New York Islanders, Brock Nelson was on a short leash. He was coming off arguably his worst year as a pro putting up just 35 points and 19 goals up during the 2017-2018 season.

Ironically, everyone else’s scoring was going through the roof at that point, and it appeared like Nelson’s time as an Islander could be coming to a close. Lou Lamoriello ended up signing him to a one-year prove-it deal, and boy did he prove it.

Nelson took a massive leap forward, putting up 53 points and 25 goals as the team’s second-line center. His strong season was parlayed into a six-year $36 million contract extension, and he’s been an important piece to the team ever since.

If anyone knows how important the Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz culture is it’s Brock Nelson. His career arch is going the way it is in large part due to their impact.

Nelson stopped by the NHL Network to discuss what their impact has been on the Islanders organization:

Nelson called the Islanders group “special” and I can’t think of a better word. Yes, this team hasn’t won a championship (yet) but the reason why they’ve had so much success is that they get everyone to buy in. Everyone has a role, and they all play that role well.

Nelson then goes on to show some love to Oliver Wahlstrom as a forward who can develop and play a big role on their team. And of course, he couldn’t go without mentioning the Coliseum.

The team is excited to open the new building, and for good reason but at the same time they’ll miss the atmosphere that was so tangible in the old place.