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Maple Leafs Linked Once Again to Islanders $36 Million Center

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 5:45 AM ET

Where there's smoke there usually is fire, and in this particular case, that means the Toronto Maple Leafs could be seriously considering trading for a New York Islanders center playing on an expiring contract.

If the Leafs want to bolster an offensive unit depleted by injuries, they might have their eyes locked on Brock Nelson as a potential trade target.

According to TSN’s Mike Johnson, appearing on "OverDrive" on Friday, Nelson is "one to watch out for" in the market during the next few weeks leading up to the March trade deadline.

“One other name to watch out for: Brock Nelson," Johnson said. "$6M, last year of his contract.”

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Johnson's report is that it isn't the first one linking Nelson to Toronto.

Fellow insider Luke Fox of Sportsnet mentioned Nelson on Nov. 16 and The Athletic’s James Mirtle did so last Thursday. They cited Nelson’s two-way game and ability to play up and down the lineup along with his goalscoring prowess.

There is also a connection between Nelson and some members of Toronto's organization, from players to coaches. Nelson played with Maple Leafs center John Tavares in New York before the veteran joined the Maple Leafs, and former Islanders coach Lane Lambert is now an associate coach in Toronto.

According to TSN’s Mike Johnson, the Leafs are reportedly targeting Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders.

“One other name to watch out for, Brock Nelson. $6M last year of his contract," said Johnson on TSN's OverDrive on Friday.@mike_p_johnson pic.twitter.com/8WZC3VOGZY
— Hockey Patrol (@HockeyPatrol) November 24, 2024

Nelson, a 33-year-old center, has scored 107 goals averaging nearly 36 goals per year over the past three seasons. This year, he's already tallied eight goals and 13 points in 21 games played.

The veteran is on an expiring deal but still carries a high $6 million cap hit as part of his six-year, $36-million contract, so it's fair to assume the Maple Leafs would require the Islanders to retain a portion of the salary if they want to trade for the forward.

With the Islanders having a .500 season in points percentage and an 8-8-5 record (21 points) good for just 10th place in the Eastern Conference, it's too early to tell if GM Lou Lamoriello will turn his franchise into a seller or a buyer come March.

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

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