This New York Islanders player linked to Toronto Maple Leafs

Impending New York Islanders free agent Brock Nelson has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs. In Friday’s edition of TSN’s Overdrive, Leafs insider Mike Johnson discussed the Leafs’ ongoing search for center depth.

In particular, Brock Nelson’s name stood out among the players Toronto has been looking into. It’s worth pointing out that there is nothing imminent at this point. Nevertheless, the Leafs have been kicking the tires on Nelson.

Toronto is currently first in the Atlantic Division, holding a three-point lead over the Florida Panthers. However, a rash of injuries, including team captain Auston Matthews, has accelerated the Leafs’ search for center depth.

Meanwhile, the New York Islanders are in an interesting position. The Isles are within striking distance of third in the Metro, six points back of the Washington Capitals. But Saturday night’s big win over the St. Louis Blues has placed the Isles two points back of the Boston Bruins for the second wildcard spot. Moreover, the Isles are just four points back of the New York Rangers for the first wildcard position.

As such, Isles GM Lou Lamoriello could very well sit on his hands at this point and see how the next quarter of the season unfolds. Trading Nelson would be a tacit implication that the Isles are throwing in the towel on this season unless the return is overwhelming.

While there is no telling what that return could be, it seems the Leafs are willing to get a deal done if the price is right.

Could the New York Islanders realistically trade Brock Nelson?

Realistically, I would put the odds of the Islanders trading Nelson at 80/20 in favor of keeping him. It’s highly unlikely the Isles move Nelson at this point, especially with the team within striking distance of a playoff spot.

While the Islanders have struggled to score this season, moving Nelson would effectively put the final nails in the coffin for the Isles’ scoring. There is no other center who could effectively move into Nelson's spot and drive the offense.

Therefore, the Islanders would do best to hold on to Nelson until the midway mark of the season. The Isles could conceivably go on a bit of a run and position themselves in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

If anything, the Isles would be looking to add, not subtract. Unless the wheels suddenly come off between now and Christmas, the Islanders should be buyers at the trade deadline. The club needs another scoring winger and defensive depth.

Both needs could be addressed on the trade market, though my suspicion would be that Lamoriello will keep an eye on the waiver wire as teams, like the Leafs, get players back from injury. It will be interesting to see what the next four to five weeks reveal for the New York Islanders. The team’s season hangs in the balance.