The New York Islanders Have to Decide the Fate of Brock Nelson

The 4 Nation's Face-Off begins this week and the New York Islanders will have just Brock Nelson participating in the tournament for Team USA. Another big event in the near future is the NHL trade deadline, which is March 7th. Not only is Nelson representing the Islanders on the biggest stage, but he is the biggest trade chip ahead of the deadline.

Nelson will be entering free agency this summer after playing his entire career on Long Island. After twelve years with the organization, many are torn on the future of the Minnesota native. This has been an up-and-down season for the team and Nelson. Nelson has had a down year compared to recent production but has 17 goals heading into the break. In the last three seasons, Nelson was an example of consistency with 37, 36, and 34 goals scored.

Normally an All-Star game break, the NHL's new, international tournament is a perfect place for the 33-year-old to showcase his skillset to the entire hockey world while playing with and against the best talent in the world. Despite the golden opportunity to display Nelson to the rest of the general managers, the question remains if the team should move him.

Keep Nelson

This scenario is for the nostalgic fan who has seen Nelson grow up after being drafted in the 2010 NHL Draft. He has had 8 appearances in the playoffs, especially at a time when making the playoffs was not consistent for the franchise. Being a large part of the team that made it to two Eastern Conference Finals is special with this fan base. It is the most sustained success this franchise has seen since the glory days of the dynasty.

Despite the attention given to Mat Barzal, Nelson has truly been the example of consistency at the center of this team. Quietly posting eight, 20-plus goal seasons and avoiding long-term absences from the lineup. Nelson is shy of 900 NHL games and has played every game in 5 seasons.

The combination of leadership, reliability, and production is something that every team needs, but they have to pay a premium price to get it. With Bo Horvat locked in on the top line, Nelson and Horvat would be solid buidling blocks for a re-tooling of the roster. After next season, Anders Lee and J.G. Pageau's contracts will be off the books to provide salary cap relief for a Nelson extension.