NY Islanders trade Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche

The wait is finally over as the NY Islanders have announced they’ve traded Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche.

Joining Nelson from the Islanders organization and heading to Colorado is William Dufour, and heading to Long Island is the Avalanche top prospect, Calum Ritchie, a first-round pick in 2026 or 2027, a conditional 2028 third-round pick, and defenseman Oliver Kylington. Kylington was immediately moved to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations.

Drafted 30th overall in 2010, Nelson has played all 901 career games for the Islanders. After being unable to agree on terms of a new contract, Lou Lamoriello had little choice but to move on from one of the organization's top players over the last decade.

With 20 goals and 23 assists through 61 games this season, Nelson will call the Rocky Mountains home, for at least the remainder of this season, where he'll join a perennial cup contender.

Brock Nelson traded to the Avalanche

In return, the crown jewel for the Islanderds was Calum Ritchie. Considered one of the NHL's top prospects, Ritchie is known for his abilities on both sides of the ice, playing a similar game to young Brock Nelson.

Through 41 games in Oshawa this season, Ritchie has totaled 67 points (14 G, 53 A) and is a +33.

Ritchie made his NHL debut this season, playing seven games with Colorado as they were ravaged by injury to start this season. Playing in a much higher role than anticipated in normal circumstances, he was thrown immediately into a top 6 role. Ritchie managed to register a goal and an assist in that short time, with that goal coming against the Islanders.

The Isles will receive Colorado’s first round pick in 2026 unless the Avs miss the playoffs (which they won’t). In that case, the first-round pick slides to 2027. The only way the Isles receive the Avs’ 2028 third round pick is if Colorado wins the Stanley Cup and Nelson plays in 50% of the teams playoff games.