NHL insider believes these two teams may look to trade for NY Islanders forward Brock Nelson

The NHL trade deadline falls on March 7, 2025, still three months away, but the time to start thinking about that date may be approaching for Lou Lamoriello and the NY Islanders.

Brock Nelson is the biggest trade chip for the Islanders, who may be the most sought-after player at the deadline.

Nelson is in the final year of a 6-year, $6M AAV contract, capable of bringing scoring, brings leadership, and can play anywhere within the top 6.

Where could Brock Nelson land if traded?

While there could be upwards of 10 teams attempting to acquire Nelson’s services, Pierre LeBrun of TSN believes the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are two teams who could be leading the charge.

“But as we flip the page to the second half of the year, I can see the Stars trying to use that money,” LeBrun said on TSN's Insider Trading regarding the additional cap space the Stars have after placing Tyler Seguin on IR. “Keep an eye on Brock Nelson, pending UFA for the New York Islanders. Going to be a lot of interest in that guy, including from the Minnesota Wild by the way. I think Minnesota is keeping an eye on Brock Nelson as well. The thing is, if the Islanders are back in a playoff chase, he’s not going to be available and GM Lou Lamiorello doesn’t always trade his UFAs anyway. So it’s not clear if Brock Nelson would even be on the move but he would be a name of note.”

Seguin underwent surgery today on his left hip with a 4-6 month timetable to return, essentially ending his season. Seguin had 20 points (9 G, 11 A) through 19 games before going down - something Jim Nill and the Stars will look to replace as they’ll have all of Seguin's $9.85M AAV available to use.

Nelson, who grew up in Warroad, MN, near the Canadian border, has always been fond of his home state, returning there in the off-season to play in Da Beauty League, would also fit in as a perfect piece with the Wild.

Wild GM Bill Guerin is clearly a fan of Nelson, selecting him for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-off, and would surely love to add a player of his caliber. 

The Wild also have over $13M in dead cap from Zach Parise and Ryan Suter’s buyouts coming off their books next summer, having the space to extend Nelson if a deal could be made.

As LeBrun said, if the Islanders find their way back into the playoff hunt, this is all a moot point as Lamoriello won’t be moving Nelson. 

But as things look that is an uphill climb with a strong possibility the Islanders won’t reach the summit. 

The Stars and the Wild both have excellent prospect pools and available draft picks that could help retool this organization.