Brock Nelson’s Future Uncertain as Trade Deadline Approaches

BROSSARD, Quebec — With the March 7 trade deadline looming, New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson is facing uncertainty about his future. A pending unrestricted free agent, Nelson aimed to use the 4 Nations Face-Off as a mental break from trade speculation during Media Day on Tuesday.

Despite his intentions, Nelson was questioned extensively about contract talks with Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello. Lamoriello has been engaging with Nelson and his agent, Ben Hankinson, as they work to reach a contract extension prior to the deadline. Recently, Hankinson met briefly with Lamoriello at Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.

Should Lamoriello fail to extend Nelson before the trade deadline, it does not necessarily equate to a trade. Historically, Lamoriello has allowed free agents to leave at the end of their contracts rather than moving them.

“I want what’s best for me, family, team and everything,” Nelson told reporters. “There’s a lot of factors that go into it. … I know everybody kind of wants an answer right now, but that’s not how the world works. You don’t always get what you want.”

At 33, Nelson will take the ice for the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off, starting Thursday against Finland. He is slated to play on the fourth line with Vincent Trocheck and Dylan Larkin and will also contribute to the team’s penalty kill throughout the tournament, which lasts until February 20.

Originating from Warroad, Minnesota, Nelson is rumored to be a prime target for the Wild if he does not re-sign with the Islanders. Wild general manager Bill Guerin, who selected Nelson for the U.S. team, has expressed interest.

If Nelson remains unsigned by the deadline, other teams are expected to pursue him, including the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche. However, acquiring Nelson may be financially challenging for the Wild, who would need to manage salary cap considerations to facilitate a trade.

“I know there’s a lot of speculation from outside and different things, and people have already decided for me a couple of times what’s going to happen,” Nelson said.

Winning remains a top priority for Nelson as he considers his future. Despite his loyalty to the Islanders, the perception of their competitiveness will influence his decision to re-sign. The Islanders recently fell to two consecutive losses but previously secured wins in eight of their last nine games, currently sitting in contention for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

“There’s still a little bit of hockey left in the season, and we’ve gotta get on another roll right after the break here,” he said. “So, hopefully guys are resetting, getting a little bit healthy. We’ve been kind of banged up, but I think everybody there wants to win now.”

Nobody doubts Nelson’s commitment to the franchise that drafted him 30th overall in 2010. He appreciates Lamoriello for the opportunities he’s been given over the past seven seasons.

“Lou is a great guy. I love playing for him,” Nelson expressed. “He’s done a lot for me. He’s given me a great opportunity, and knowing Long Island and being an Islander with all the history the team has is significant.”

Meanwhile, USA Hockey announced that Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck will start in goal against Finland. Hellebuyck, a frontrunner for the Vezina Trophy, faces pressure after a disappointing playoff record last year.

“It’s a lot of practice,” Hellebuyck noted about the mental challenges of the tournament. “You’ve really just got to practice it, and in those pressure moments, it’s easy to lose how you’ve practiced.”

Hellebuyck acknowledges the need to prove his capabilities in every game. “You can’t take a night off, and tournaments like this are stepping stones to show yourself that you’re doing the right thing,” he said.

In a lighter moment, Team USA captain Auston Matthews shared interactions with general manager Bill Guerin, emphasizing the humorous atmosphere within the squad. Matthews, who surprised an assistant coach with a birthday cake, joked about Guerin’s playful reprimand.

“He yelled at me for like two minutes,” Matthews recalled, laughing. “He has a great sense of humor. He’s a lot of fun to be around.”

As the tournament approaches, Team USA players are eager to compete and downplay notions of a less intense atmosphere. Charlie McAvoy expressed the competitive spirit among the team, stating they are eager for the challenge ahead.

“There’s no … I’ve never been to an All-Star Game. You can have the All-Star Game. I’d rather play in this instead,” McAvoy said, underscoring the commitment of the roster to win.