New York Islanders make push to sign Brock Nelson

The New York Islanders could be making a strong push to sign impending free agent Brock Nelson, several sources claim.

Now, let’s take this report with a grain of salt. At the moment, the sources reporting on this situation have not publicly disclosed the nature of the negotiations. As such, there is room to doubt whether this rumor has legs to it.

But let’s dissect it in detail.

First, insider Elliotte Friedman reported on the February 8 edition of Saturday Headlines that the Isles are indeed making a push to sign Nelson. That makes sense as the Islanders are suddenly back in the playoff hunt and need Nelson for the remainder of the season.

The prevailing wisdom had been that if the Islanders completely fell out of playoff contention, GM Lou Lamoriello would be willing to part ways with the Minnesota native. Teams reportedly interested in Nelson include the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche.

That dynamic has now changed as the Islanders are back within striking distance of a playoff spot. Trading Brock Nelson now would mean the Islanders are throwing the towel on the season. Given how well the Isles have played heading into the 4 Nations break, it seems implausible the Islanders move on from Nelson.

Also, RG reported that there was a short-term deal on the table from the Islanders. The report discounted a two-year deal, throwing it out more into the three to four-year range. The report specifically stated that the Isles had offered a three-year deal, Signing Nelson into his age 36 season.

This rumor makes sense, as well, though the source behind it is unknown. But let’s assume it is real for a second. A three-year deal makes sense as Nelson’s age would get in the way of any team signing him to a long-term extension.