You knew it the moment that Brock Nelson gave that emotional interview after a win recently: he was going to be traded by the only NHL franchise he’s called home in his terrific career.
in a blockbuster. And not to spoil the trade grades ahead, but: it feels like a truly balanced trade for both sides.
The hapless Islanders got a serious return for a free-agent-to-be. The Avalanche got back an upgrade to help them contend. It’s fairly simple for such a big trade.
Let’s hand out some grades:
The trade details:
D Oliver Kylington (who was then traded to the Ducks), F Calum Ritchie, a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a conditional 2028 third-round pick
F Brock Nelson and F William Dufor
Islanders grade
Nelson will be a free agent, so to get anything for him is a win. And the talk is that Ritchie — a first-round pick in 2023 — is really good.
Add in the future picks — the first-rounder is top-10 protected but could convert to a 2027 first-rounder if that’s the case — and you’ve got a REALLY good return for Nelson, who was beloved but will now play for a contender.
GRADE: A
Avalanche grade
This is a no-brainer: Colorado is in win-now mode and needed some talent and depth up the middle. And here’s the consistent Nelson to help. He’s going to be a huge addition to an already-talented roster — he’ll slot in immediately into their second-line center role.
When you’re a franchise that has the Cup in your sights, you go for it like this even with the risk that Nelson doesn’t stay.
GRADE: A
Brock Nelson trade grades: Who won the Avalanche and Islanders deal?
