Brock Nelson signs back with Avs for similar deal reported offered by NY Islanders

Brock Nelson won't be returning to Long Island.

The Colorado Avalanche announced Wednesday that Nelson, the longtime New York Islanders center, re-signed on a three-year, $22.5 million contract. The deal has an average annual value of $7.5 million. According to reports, the 33-year-old Nelson accepted the same contract terms (or a bit less) than Lou Lamoriello's previous offer before he was traded to Colorado at the 2024 trade deadline for a package centered around top prospect Calum Ritchie and a 2026 1st round pick.

Nelson, who spent 11 seasons with the Islanders after being drafted 30th overall in 2010, tallied 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) in 80 games split between Long Island and Colorado last season. After joining the Avalanche in March, Nelson posted 13 points in 19 regular-season games and added four assists in seven playoff appearances. Dallas eliminated the Avs in seven games. The new contract offers Nelson and Colorado an opportunity to show that the deal was still worth making.

“We’re thrilled to have reached an agreement with Brock to keep him in Colorado for the next three seasons,” Avs GM Chris MacFarland said. “He’s been a great center in this league for a long time, and he brings professionalism and a dedicated work ethic on and off the ice. We think he’s a great fit and is a stabilizing presence to our second-line center role with his size and ability to touch all areas of the ice."

The Islanders were reportedly willing to retain Nelson on the same terms, but ultimately dealt him a deal widely considered one of the best, if not the best, at the deadline, even if Lamoriello did it reluctantly after Nelson turned down an extension. The trade marked the end of an era for Nelson, who ranks among the franchise leaders in games played and goals scored.

“My family and I are excited to be staying in Colorado. Having spent my entire career with one organization, we weren’t totally sure what to expect when we arrived in Denver, said Nelson. "But getting the opportunity to play for the Avalanche, to compete with a great group of teammates in that locker room, and in front of the tremendous fans at Ball Arena, we knew this was where we wanted to stay.”

Nelson’s decision to stay in Colorado signals his commitment to contending for a Stanley Cup with an Avalanche team that continues to be among the Western Conference’s elite. He is expected to center Colorado’s second line heading into the 2025–26 season. Best of luck to Brock, except when he's playing the Islanders. We look forward to giving him the tribute he deserves the next time the Avalanche visit UBS Arena.