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Islanders Waiting on Trade Decision Involving $36 Million Forward: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 3, 2025 7:15 AM ET

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson seems to be garnering significant interest across the NHL ahead of March's trade deadline.

However, according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, the Islanders are taking a measured approach, opting to wait before deciding on whether they'll become buyers or sellers at the deadline.

Speaking on The Fourth Period’s “The Latest” on Tuesday, Pagnotta explained that Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is likely to delay trade decisions until the team’s playoff prospects are clearer.

“If a month from now they look at their club and say, ‘Okay, we’ve got a legitimate shot at making the postseason,’ I think Lou might hold firm,” Pagnotta said. “But if they remain in the same position, they will continue to generate interest from these players.”

As things stand, the Islanders sit last in the Metropolitan Division with a 14-18-7 record and tied at 35 points with the New York Rangers. The Islanders, however, have already played 39 games to the Rangers' 37.

Nelson, 33, is playing the second-to-last season of his six-year, $36 million deal, making him an attractive target at an affordable price for contending teams instead of a mere rental.

The veteran center has scored 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 38 games this season, although he's posted a minus-5 plus/minus while on the ice with the Isles.

Pagnotta speculated that trading Nelson and other veterans such as Kyle Palmieri could be part of a broader strategy for the Islanders that fills the draft-asset and young-player coffers of the organization.

“This is a good opportunity for the Islanders to pivot a little bit on the season, collect some strong assets, get some young prospects back… and be aggressive in the summer come free agency,” Pagnotta said.

For what it's worth, the Islanders could still make a push and put together a positive run of results earning them a postseason berth via wild card. New York is just five points off the second wild-card spot, currently in possession of the Ottawa Senators.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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