NHL Insider compares Nelson for Ritchie trade to a lopsided deal from 12 years ago

There are few times when both teams can be seen winners in a trade, but that might be exactly what we see in the deal that sent Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche.

The Avs now have a lineup that is among the league's best and can contend for a Stanley Cup, and the NY Islanders have a top prospect along with another first-round pick.

Robbery by the NY Islanders?

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff has been a big proponent of Calum Ritchie since he was drafted in 2023. He's so confident that Ritchie will become a top player for the NY Islanders, that he's drawing comparisons to a trade from 2013.

"I know this is a pretty large bet based on what I'm about to say, but is this the closest trade that we might end up getting to the Marty Erat for Filip Forsberg deal?," said Seravalli. "I mean I know that we're talking about a $9M a year player in Forsberg, but I think the age kind of lines up and it's probably more disrespect to Brock Nelson than I mean, because Marty Erat didn't have much left. I think Brock Nelson has plenty in the tank - but I just think that's how good Cal Ritchie could end up being for the NY Islanders."

Erat was acquired by the Capitals at the trade deadline in 2013, playing nine games for Washington that season, scoring once and adding two assists. The Caps were bounced in seven games of the first-round against the NY Rangers that season, with Erat returning for one more season in DC. In 53 games in 2013-14, Erat again scored just once and added 23 assists.

Forsberg on the other hand has gone on to become one of the league's top goal scorers for the Nashville Predators.

While Nelson is much more impactful of a player Erat was, there's a good possibility he leaves Colorado at the end of the season, leaving the Avs without Nelson or Ritchie.

The Isles on the other hand have a center they can plug into the lineup the next season, but only time will tell if he becomes anywhere near the player of Forsberg.