Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner and New York Islanders center Brock Nelson compete for control of the puck in the third period of an NHL game on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in Elmont, New York. (John Munson/AP)
For the first time in his 12-year NHL career, Brock Nelson is leaving the New York Islanders. The team has traded the veteran centre and forward William Dufour to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for prospect Calum Ritchie, a first-round draft pick (either in 2026 or 2027), a conditional third-round pick in 2028, and defenceman Oliver Kylington. The trade was confirmed by both teams on Thursday.
Shortly after, the Anaheim Ducks announced they had acquired Kylington from the Islanders for future considerations, further shaking up the trade landscape.
As part of the deal, the Islanders will retain half of Nelson’s $6 million contract, which expires at the end of this season. This detail, reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, makes the trade more manageable for Colorado's salary cap situation.
A Veteran Scorer Joins the Avalanche
Nelson, a 33-year-old centre, has been a reliable offensive force for the Islanders. In 61 games this season, he has recorded 43 points, including 20 goals and 23 assists. Over the past three seasons, he netted at least 34 goals each year and recently played for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
His new team, the Avalanche, is gearing up for a deep playoff push. Currently in a strong position, they are adding Nelson’s scoring ability, defensive awareness, and physical play to their postseason roster. His versatility will provide Colorado with depth and stability as they chase another Stanley Cup.
Islanders Eye the Future with Ritchie
With their playoff hopes fading, the Islanders opted to look ahead by acquiring Calum Ritchie. The 20-year-old forward drafted 27th overall in 2023, made his NHL debut this season, scoring one goal in seven games. In the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), he has been a standout performer, tallying 67 points (14 goals, 53 assists) in 41 games with the Oshawa Generals.
Ritchie also represented Canada at the World Junior Championship, contributing a goal and an assist in five games. The Islanders hope he will develop into a key offensive piece for their rebuilding efforts.
Dufour and Kylington Move On
Dufour, 23, has spent most of the past three seasons in the AHL with the Bridgeport Islanders. He played just one NHL game during the 2022-23 season and has managed eight goals and 10 assists in the minors this year.
Kylington, 27, is a depth defenceman who recorded one goal and three assists in 13 games for the Avalanche before being traded twice within hours—first to the Islanders and then to the Ducks.
Another Big Trade for Colorado
This marks the Avalanche’s second blockbuster trade of the season. Earlier, they sent star forward Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a package that included Martin Necas and Jack Drury.
With Nelson now on board, Colorado is reinforcing its roster for a serious playoff run, while the Islanders are positioning themselves for a brighter future.
