What if Nelson is okay with being with this group? What if he does not want to leave right now because he has a young family? While I love the loyalty, this team cannot afford any more setbacks. A lot of hard decisions need to be made about this team's future.

Hopefully there will be some positive clarity come the trade deadline.
- Nfdbulldawg

I’m sure there are exceptions, but all this talk of loyalty to a team, or having a family here, take a back seat to the almighty dollar. I believe Nelson can get more term than Lou offered. It comes down to dollars and cents. I’m sure if it’s a nominal amount then my statement goes out the window. But if he’s able to make more money for more term elsewhere he’s a goner. When someone wants to “test the market” that’s code for show me the money.
I find it interesting that Brock has been the best islander in the last ten years, and gets a 3 year offer vs Mayfield and Engvall getting term. I get that Nelson is older but it’s not unreasonable to think he can play 5 more years. I bet he gets a 5 year deal with another team.
Lou has to move this asset. Period.

I’m sure there are exceptions, but all this talk of loyalty to a team, or having a family here, take a back seat to the almighty dollar. I believe Nelson can get more term than Lou offered. It comes down to dollars and cents. I’m sure if it’s a nominal amount then my statement goes out the window. But if he’s able to make more money for more term elsewhere he’s a goner. When someone wants to “test the market” that’s code for show me the money.
I find it interesting that Brock has been the best islander in the last ten years, and gets a 3 year offer vs Mayfield and Engvall getting term. I get that Nelson is older but it’s not unreasonable to think he can play 5 more years. I bet he gets a 5 year deal with another team.
Lou has to move this asset. Period.
- kindlyrick

He can absolutely play 5 more years, but he can't play 5 more years and be able to justify making more money than he currently is.

The huge jump in the cap will help to absorb some of that burden, but it's still poor asset management to give him a raise knowing full-well that he's going to start declining sooner than later, if he's not in the very beginning stages of that already.

And forgetting all of that, not moving him for the assets he would get in a trade would be a criminally stupid idea. If he is really so dead-set on staying on Long Island then they can re-sign him in the summer. This is not a situation where losing the option of the 8th year should be factored into the team's decision at all.

He can absolutely play 5 more years, but he can't play 5 more years and be able to justify making more money than he currently is.

The huge jump in the cap will help to absorb some of that burden, but it's still poor asset management to give him a raise knowing full-well that he's going to start declining sooner than later, if he's not in the very beginning stages of that already.

And forgetting all of that, not moving him for the assets he would get in a trade would be a criminally stupid idea. If he is really so dead-set on staying on Long Island then they can re-sign him in the summer. This is not a situation where losing the option of the 8th year should be factored into the team's decision at all.
- eichiefs9

I don’t think a team would trade for him and give up assets just to rent for a run this year. I think they’d need to know he’s willing to stay.
I agree with you on paper, however, teams who want to sign UFAs, or trade for an impending UFA usually offer term to get the deal done. Lou’s offer of a 3 year extension is a Hail Mary pass. No way Nelson accepts that when he could get 5 years on the open market. Perhaps Lou was fulfilling his “obligation” of an offer and will now have the reasoning to trade him. Who knows.
These scenarios aren’t really fair market value. In order to get a player you want….you sometimes make a “bad deal”. See Andrew Ladd, Pierre Engvall etc etc

I don’t think a team would trade for him and give up assets just to rent for a run this year. I think they’d need to know he’s willing to stay.
I agree with you on paper, however, teams who want to sign UFAs, or trade for an impending UFA usually offer term to get the deal done. Lou’s offer of a 3 year extension is a Hail Mary pass. No way Nelson accepts that when he could get 5 years on the open market. Perhaps Lou was fulfilling his “obligation” of an offer and will now have the reasoning to trade him. Who knows.
These scenarios aren’t really fair market value. In order to get a player you want….you sometimes make a “bad deal”. See Andrew Ladd, Pierre Engvall etc etc
- kindlyrick

I think there would be plenty of teams interested in him as a rental, mainly the ones that view themselves as real contenders. The deadline center market is thin and he's easily the best guy that would be out there, short of another team making a star available out of left field.

As far as the offer, assuming the reported 3 years is even true, I don't disagree that it may be just Lou putting Nelson in a "shit or get off the pot" position so he can say he tried. Or maybe Nelson really wants to stay and would just take that deal, although I doubt that because I agree he can probably get more years on the open market.

It's obvious the truth from either side isn't going to leak out, so we're pretty much stuck here waiting until something happens. But now that it seems like Nelson has a starting 4th line role on the US team at the Four Nations, it kind of sucks that this wasn't resolved prior to the tournament. If he gets hurt we're (frank)ed.

I think there would be plenty of teams interested in him as a rental, mainly the ones that view themselves as real contenders. The deadline center market is thin and he's easily the best guy that would be out there, short of another team making a star available out of left field.

As far as the offer, assuming the reported 3 years is even true, I don't disagree that it may be just Lou putting Nelson in a "shit or get off the pot" position so he can say he tried. Or maybe Nelson really wants to stay and would just take that deal, although I doubt that because I agree he can probably get more years on the open market.

It's obvious the truth from either side isn't going to leak out, so we're pretty much stuck here waiting until something happens. But now that it seems like Nelson has a starting 4th line role on the US team at the Four Nations, it kind of sucks that this wasn't resolved prior to the tournament. If he gets hurt we're (frank)ed.
- eichiefs9

That last line is a real risk. It happened to Tavares when he was an islander. I’m shocked it’s allowed…..the insurance on that has to be through the roof.

That last line is a real risk. It happened to Tavares when he was an islander. I’m shocked it’s allowed…..the insurance on that has to be through the roof.
- kindlyrick

I mean we're (frank)ed in the sense that he'd be an untradeable asset and might walk away for nothing in the summer. That would be absolute worst case scenario.

This just came out also, very interesting:

https://nypost.com/2025/0...re-fuel-trade-speculation

I mean we're (frank)ed in the sense that he'd be an untradeable asset and might walk away for nothing in the summer. That would be absolute worst case scenario.

This just came out also, very interesting:

https://nypost.com/2025/0...re-fuel-trade-speculation
- eichiefs9

If the rumors are true and Lou is legitimately trying to resign this guy AND there are teams that wanted to and were able to acquire him pre four nations than Lou should be shot directly into the (frank)ing sun. Its a level of (frank)ing stupidity that should not be allowed to continue. If that offends anyone guess what? You are a (frank)ing idiot also for thinking otherwise. Period. There’s no positive to resigning Nelson. It’s an idiots bet. That’s exactly who believes this is a viable strategy.

I mean we're (frank)ed in the sense that he'd be an untradeable asset and might walk away for nothing in the summer. That would be absolute worst case scenario.

This just came out also, very interesting:

https://nypost.com/2025/0...re-fuel-trade-speculation
- eichiefs9

Keeping Nelson is a mistake. I have said it multiple times over the last week. This team is not in a position to win period. The just get in theory and you have chance does not apply here. There are too many holes right now.

Again, if this team was on verge of something special, I would be banging the drum to keep him. But there not and they can help the future of the franchise by using Nelsons value.

Hopefully he has a good tournament, he stays healthy, and his trade value goes higher. We can only sit back and pray that Lou does the right thing at the deadline.

I mean we're (frank)ed in the sense that he'd be an untradeable asset and might walk away for nothing in the summer. That would be absolute worst case scenario.

This just came out also, very interesting:

https://nypost.com/2025/0...re-fuel-trade-speculation
- eichiefs9

Please don't let this be true.

Please don't let this be true.
- JimmyP

Which part? Because that sounds a lot like Nelson side-stepping the question, so they may not be anywhere near a deal. Lou may lowballing him and he is looking for a longer term deal that nets him more money. Or not, who knows.

Which part? Because that sounds a lot like Nelson side-stepping the question, so they may not be anywhere near a deal. Lou may lowballing him and he is looking for a longer term deal that nets him more money. Or not, who knows.
- eichiefs9

This part:


It is not hard to surmise that the Islanders’ interest in moving Nelson is minimal. Lamoriello, as in the past, has repeatedly said he believes in his group and Nelson is as synonymous with this era of Islander hockey as anyone.

Getting more interesting

This part:


It is not hard to surmise that the Islanders’ interest in moving Nelson is minimal. Lamoriello, as in the past, has repeatedly said he believes in his group and Nelson is as synonymous with this era of Islander hockey as anyone.
- JimmyP

Gotcha, yeah I can't get any kind of read on this. Some assumptions from Sears on that thought, but not unfair ones.

Gotcha, yeah I can't get any kind of read on this. Some assumptions from Sears on that thought, but not unfair ones.
- eichiefs9

Yes, the article was non-committal. It shouldn't be surprising. I bet only a few people outside of Lou and Nelson really know what's going on.

This part:


It is not hard to surmise that the Islanders’ interest in moving Nelson is minimal. Lamoriello, as in the past, has repeatedly said he believes in his group and Nelson is as synonymous with this era of Islander hockey as anyone.
- JimmyP

I thought this was interesting: “…I know everybody kind of wants an answer right now. That’s not how the world works. You don’t always get what you want.” This implies to me that Lou has made an offer, and is putting pressure on Nelson and his agent for response or commitment from Nelson. I think this is good news in a way. Seems Nelson like Nelson does not like the offer.

I thought this was interesting: “…I know everybody kind of wants an answer right now. That’s not how the world works. You don’t always get what you want.” This implies to me that Lou has made an offer, and is putting pressure on Nelson and his agent for response or commitment from Nelson. I think this is good news in a way. Seems Nelson like Nelson does not like the offer.
- streaks

Then you have Eklunds take on things.

On Brock Nelson…
It is still being implied, and my gut instinct is, that Nelson will be re-signed by the Islanders this summer and NOT traded. He’s part of Lamoriello’s inner core, and those guys generally don’t go anywhere. However, he is loyal, loves being an Islander, and will play the game of “well I might be traded” if Lou has a reason that behooves the team elsewhere.. I was told the Kings like him, but the Maple Leafs LOVE him…. If he goes anywhere, I believe it will be Toronto…and only if the Isles are way out of the hunt on March 7th

I think we all pretty much agree that Nelson should be moved even if we are slated to make the playoffs. Which I do not see.

Main D Core banged up. Yes, the replacements have done well so far.

Forwards Barzal is out again. Top line has not been together more than 5 minutes due to injuries. Third and fourth lines have been sporadic.

Our No.1 Goalie is being backed up by our No.4

This not a recipe for a contender

Then you have Eklunds take on things.

On Brock Nelson…
It is still being implied, and my gut instinct is, that Nelson will be re-signed by the Islanders this summer and NOT traded. He’s part of Lamoriello’s inner core, and those guys generally don’t go anywhere. However, he is loyal, loves being an Islander, and will play the game of “well I might be traded” if Lou has a reason that behooves the team elsewhere.. I was told the Kings like him, but the Maple Leafs LOVE him…. If he goes anywhere, I believe it will be Toronto…and only if the Isles are way out of the hunt on March 7th

I think we all pretty much agree that Nelson should be moved even if we are slated to make the playoffs. Which I do not see.

Main D Core banged up. Yes, the replacements have done well so far.

Forwards Barzal is out again. Top line has not been together more than 5 minutes due to injuries. Third and fourth lines have been sporadic.

Our No.1 Goalie is being backed up by our No.4

This not a recipe for a contender
- Nfdbulldawg

NF, I'm not knocking you but there are so many things wrong with this.

First is: "Eklunds take on things."

Second: "Nelson will be re-signed by the Islanders this summer and NOT traded.": That is beyond stupid. He either signs now or is traded. My feelings on this are well known. I like Nelson and I wish him the best, but bye. Come back on a fair deal in July if you want to return.

He should be sold to the highest bidder. Do what's best of the future of the team.

NF, I'm not knocking you but there are so many things wrong with this.

First is: "Eklunds take on things."

Second: "Nelson will be re-signed by the Islanders this summer and NOT traded.": That is beyond stupid. He either signs now or is traded. My feelings on this are well known. I like Nelson and I wish him the best, but bye. Come back on a fair deal in July if you want to return.

He should be sold to the highest bidder. Do what's best of the future of the team.
- JimmyP

Jimmy, I agree with you sir 100%

i appreciate brock nelson getting joel rechlicz type minutes here, wrap the guy in bubble wrap and tissue paper while we're at it for safety

NO INJURIES PLEASE

i appreciate brock nelson getting joel rechlicz type minutes here, wrap the guy in bubble wrap and tissue paper while we're at it for safety

NO INJURIES PLEASE
- batteryjackson

In case anyone needed confirmation that the talent level on the Islanders was lacking, the only Islander selected as an "all-star" in the entire tournament had less than 10 minutes TOI last night. Maybe Barzal would have made the Canadian team if he were healthy? And true, there are only 4 countries represented, and there is some Russian talent on the team.........but, outside of maybe Sorokin, we're not talking Ovechkin-level talent. Also, those 4 nations participating in the tournament do supply the vast majority of the players in the NHL.

In case anyone needed confirmation that the talent level on the Islanders was lacking, the only Islander selected as an "all-star" in the entire tournament had less than 10 minutes TOI last night. Maybe Barzal would have made the Canadian team if he were healthy? And true, there are only 4 countries represented, and there is some Russian talent on the team.........but, outside of maybe Sorokin, we're not talking Ovechkin-level talent. Also, those 4 nations participating in the tournament do supply the vast majority of the players in the NHL.
- JohnScammo

I think Romanov would have a chance of making a hypothetical Russian team. There's only 15 total Russian defensemen in the NHL and none of them are really superstars. Sergachev would probably be the closest.

In case anyone needed confirmation that the talent level on the Islanders was lacking, the only Islander selected as an "all-star" in the entire tournament had less than 10 minutes TOI last night. Maybe Barzal would have made the Canadian team if he were healthy? And true, there are only 4 countries represented, and there is some Russian talent on the team.........but, outside of maybe Sorokin, we're not talking Ovechkin-level talent. Also, those 4 nations participating in the tournament do supply the vast majority of the players in the NHL.
- JohnScammo

I do not think Sorokin would have made the cut. The names I have been hearing are Bobrovsky, Shesterkin, and Vasilevskiy.

It is okay that there are not too many Islanders. In the past when they do participate, they get hurt. DP, JT too name a couple.

I am more worried about the future of this franchise than a four nations showcase.

We have twenty-one days before we have a true understanding of which direction management will be taking this franchise for the near future and possibly the next 5 years.

While I love when they are in the playoffs. It is not like when I was a kid. Back then, they had a chance every time they got in. 75' to 88', after that, there have not too many bright years. Miracle run in 93'. Winning a round 2016. The little trot from 2019 to 2021.

I do not think Sorokin would have made the cut. The names I have been hearing are Bobrovsky, Shesterkin, and Vasilevskiy.

It is okay that there are not too many Islanders. In the past when they do participate, they get hurt. DP, JT too name a couple.

I am more worried about the future of this franchise than a four nations showcase.
- Nfdbulldawg

No worries here either. I couldn't care less about the 4 Nations event. It was just an observation that the Islanders are not blessed with a ton of talent.......and the player selections for 4 Nations confirms it.