Boston Bruins Could Target This Big Named Player In Free Agency
The Boston Bruins need to upgrade their top six and could look to improve the lineup during the postseason. One option is pending UFA and Islanders forward Brock Nelson.
Brock Nelson has spent his entire career in the NHL with the New York Islanders, and according to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, the center will likely pursue free agency on July 1st.
The Islanders could move Brock Nelson by the trade deadline, should they be outside of a spot in the playoffs.
This season has seen a decline in production for the 12-year Islander forward who only scored 20 points( 10 G, 10 A) in 35 games. On pace for 47 points, this will be the lowest point pace he's been on since the shortened season of 20202-2021, where he scored 33 points.
If he isn't moved by the trade deadline and doesn't resign in July with the New York Islanders, could GM Don Sweeney make him an offer? The rising salary cap coming during the offseason could help entice the Minnesota-born forward.
Nelson is currently, in year 6 of 6, as his $6.0 Million AAV deal expires in 2025. He's refused to use the public media to negotiate or give an idea of an extension with the Islanders.
«So for me, there's not a whole lot of thought that goes into it and then I get to go home and be with the kids and not think about the game, which is great.»
With Nelson's current 11% shooting percentage and declining production it would be hard to see Lou Lamiorell get a huge return for the center. This could work in GM Don Sweeney's favor, but in order to make it work long-term the team should view this as more than just a trade for a rental.
Lamiorello should consider retaining any cash if the Bruins are to bite, and he should negotiation an extension prior to the trade happening, in order to make sure Sweeney doesn't blow cache needed for the future.
Nelson has played 875 games in the NHL, all with the Islanders and has scored 551 points( 285 G, 266 A) with a +5 rating.
Would you trade for Center Brock Nelson?
