New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson linked to Stanley Cup contender
GM Lou Lamoriello and the New York Islanders might find themselves in a tough situation where they will have to trade forward Brock Nelson who is a pending UFA.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly on the hunt for some much needed depth at center & have been linked to New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson as a prime target. Team insider James Mirtle recently suggested that Toronto will reach out to former Leafs general manger Lou Lamoriello who is now with the Islanders to discuss a potential trade for Nelson.
Toronto has struggled to solidify the center position with recent experiments involving Max Domi & William Nylander falling short. The team is looking for a strong third line center as current options David Kampf & Calle Jarnkrok aren't providing the desired impact. Mirtle noted on the JD Bunkis Podcast that Nelson could be a perfect fit.
«They don't have a first-round to give up, they need to give up a future first-rounder, you have to give up something substantial to make it happen. If you could bring in a center like that and get the other team to retain half the salary so it fits in comfortably, you start putting together the lines and you're like �Now there's something.'»
Nelson, who will become an unrestricted free agent at the season's end, has been a consistent leader for the Islanders, scoring 107 goals and 203 points in his last 236 games. His veteran presence & scoring depth especially with 50 points over 78 playoff games would be a valuable asset as the Leafs prepare for a deep post season run.
Acquiring Nelson however wouldn't be cheap. Mirtle explained that Toronto might need to give up a future first round pick or other valuable assets. If the Islanders are open to it & could retain some of Nelson's salary the Leafs could finally lock down the center depth they've been missing. Given Nelson's skill set & leadership Mirtle believes he's worth pursuing.
