3 prospects the NY Islanders could target in a Brock Nelson trade

Mikhail Gulyayev, Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are without a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft but do own the rights to their pick in 2026 - a draft that should be deeper than 2025.

Like the Islanders, the Avalanche do not have the deepest prospect pool, ranked No. 23 in the league by Scott Wheeler of The Athletic.

The Avs’ top prospect is Callum Ritchie who spent the beginning of his season with the Avs, scoring his first career goal against the Islanders. He was returned to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL where he’s been playing this season. The Avs really like Ritchie and may not be willing to part with him. But without a first-round pick this year, Lou Lamoriello may want to start the bidding with a player of his caliber.

A more realistic target is defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev, currently playing for Avangard Omsk of the KHL, drafted 31st overall in 2023.

Gulyayev is an undersized defenseman who is full of offensive capabilities. Standing 5’10” and only 19 years old, Gulyayev has 15 points (7 G, 8 A) in 60 games this season in Russia while playing limited minutes. 

With unbelievable quickness and hands, Gulyayev is like another forward playing on the blue line. He is someone who can quarterback a power play and provide offense - something the Isles have been missing for a long time. 

Unfortunately, his defense is a big liability. He has the wheels to keep up with speedy forwards but lacks the size to knock them off the puck. 

Regardless, he should be a player the Isles want to get their hands on.