Avs solidify status as Stanley Cup contender with Nelson trade

Brock Nelson. Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Avalanche solidify status as Stanley Cup contender with Brock Nelson trade

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 8:55 AM ET

The Colorado Avalanche have had one major weakness on their roster the past couple of seasons that has really held them back come playoff time: the lack of a legitimate second-line center.

They finally addressed that need in a meaningful way on Thursday night, less than 24 hours before the NHL trade deadline, when they acquired veteran center Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders.

In exchange for Nelson, and winger William Dufour, the Avalanche are sending prospect Calum Ritchie, a first-round pick in either 2026 or 2027, a conditional third-round pick and defenseman Oliver Kylington to the Islanders. Kylington was immediately flipped to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations.

The New York Islanders have acquired forward Calum Ritchie, a first-round selection in the 2026 or 2027 NHL Draft, a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft, and defenseman Oliver Kylington from the Colorado Avalanche, in exchange for Brock Nelson and William Dufour.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 7, 2025

The Islanders were very hesitant to trade Nelson because of how good he has been and how important he has been to the franchise. But given his age (33) and the fact he is a pending unrestricted free agent, as well as the fact that New York is likely to miss the playoffs, it had almost no choice but to move him. Especially after it was unable to come to terms on a new contract extension.

Nelson has 20 goals and 43 total points in 61 games this season. Those numbers would place him tied for fourth on the Avalanche this season in goals and fourth in total points. So he is a significant addition to the top of their lineup.

It is also a big sign that Colorado is still all-in as a potential Stanley Cup contender this season.

The Avalanche are in solid position for a playoff spot, but have been in a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, a step or two below the top contenders. But adding Nelson into the second-line spot behind superstar — and MVP candidate — Nathan MacKinnon is a potentially season-altering move that puts them back on the map as a contender.

The Avalanche have been extremely busy with roster moves this season, having completely overhauled their goalie position and trading star forward Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for a deal that included Martin Necas.

The roster is certainly different from the one that opened the season, but it still looks like it has a chance to make a run in the playoffs.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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