Avs get a head start on deadline day and make a mid-game trade for Brock Nelson.
The Avalanche are still playing a game against the San Jose Sharks, but that hasn’t stopped General Manager Chris MacFarland from dealing ahead of tomorrow’s trade deadline. The Avalanche have sent Oliver Kylington, Calum Ritchie, a 2026 1st round pick, and a conditional 3rd round pick in 2028 for Brock Nelson and William Dufour.
We have acquired Brock Nelson and forward William Dufour from the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman Oliver Kylington, forward Calum Ritchie, a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 7, 2025
Some saw this trade on the horizon, but I’m not sure many had a clear idea of the ask. Cal Ritchie was far and away Colorado’s best prospect before this deal, and his involvement (as well as that first-round pick) tells you that Avalanche management believes this team is ready to make a run. Management is clearly all in right now.
Brock Nelson is off to Denver!! ️ #NHLTradeDeadline pic.twitter.com/GOQifR6gYd
— NHL (@NHL) March 7, 2025
Brock Nelson is a great player and a left-shot centerman with 43 points in 63 games this season. He’s the type of veteran presence that can bolster a team’s character, and he should slot pretty well into the second-line center role. We shall see how the lineup sorts out, but that should make the Avalanche much stronger up the middle, no matter where Nelson lands.
#GoAvsGo fans, congratulations to you guys also.
You are getting one hell of a player. Constant production, ultimate pro. Win him the Stanley Cup.
We will see him in the #Isles HOF one day.
Brock Nelson, farewell my friend pic.twitter.com/uBpdVylc53
— Isles Den (@IslesDen) March 7, 2025
Let us know what you think of the deal in the comments!