Brock Nelson Gets Emotional In Interview Amid Trade Rumors as NY Islanders top Jets

It was set up to be an emotional night, and it was for Brock Nelson and the New York Islanders, who defeated the NHL-best Winnipeg Jets 3-2 at UBS Arena on Tuesday night. It may have been Nelson's final game with the only organization he's ever known.

Nelson was visibly emotional when he joined MSG Networks' Shannon Hogan at the Isles' bench after being named the game's first star. The veteran forward, who many consider the top trade target on the market, scored his 20th goal of the season and added an assist in the win. Hogan asked him what it meant for him to be an Islander and play in front of the fanbase, and Nelson had difficulty reflecting, given the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team ahead of the trade deadline.

Nelson wasn't the only one emotional after the game. "I have a lot of respect for Brock Nelson. Seeing him choke up in our interview brought out the emotions in me too," Hogan posted on X. "Thanks to Cal and Thomas for helping me through this post-game, and sharing there [sic] deep knowledge and appreciation for Brock as a player and friend,"

"We've been together a long time, so we understand one another pretty well and have had a great friendship,” said captain Anders Lee .”Been a pleasure being his teammate, and I hope it continues that way." Nelson skated in his 901st game as an Islander on Tuesday, passing Bob Nystrom for fourth all-time. He also passed Nystrom on the club assist list, tying Pat LaFontaine for 14th place with 279 assists. The 279 assists are the most for an American-born Islander.

As the Islanders were streaking in January, there was considerable talk of a possible extension that could be worked out before the deadline, something GM Lou Lamoriello has done with other players during his tenure. While that is still a possibility, the way the Islanders have sputtered, going 3-3-0 in the six games since the 4 Nations Face-off has strenghthened the case that they should trade Nelson, fellow UFA Kyle Palmieri and potentially others to recoup assets rather than count on big late-season push to make the playoffs for the third straight season.