The New York Islander stunned the Winnipeg Jets with a 3-2 victory in what could be Brock Nelson’s last game for the Islanders.

Trade talks have encircled 33-year-old Brock Nelson, and it seems like the center is likely to bid adieu to the Islanders. When he was asked about the trade and the latest win, Nelson got emotional. NHL reporter Andrew Gross reported, “Brock Nelson admits there were some emotions for him tonight, but he really was just trying to concentrate on hockey. Said he’s had conversations with Lou Lamoriello but insists he’s not sure what will happen in the next three days.” 

It was a flurry of emotions when he sat down for his in-arena interview after the game.

An MSG reporter caught up with the veteran for a post-game interview amidst the cheers of fans and asked him how he could put his heart and soul into the game with so much noise around him. “Just worried about playing the game,” he replied, already choking up. As for what has been his favorite part about getting to play at the UBS Arena, Nelson said, “Everything. I mean, all of it. It’s a great place, great fans.”

What a man. All he has thought about amidst all the uncertainty is how he can help his team. “I’ve had conversations with Lou, and I’ve been honest. I really, truly have just been worried about here and playing and doing everything we can here to win,” he said speaking to the media after the game. And he is not just big talk. He actually showed up for his team, scoring one goal and assisting another — making what could be his last game, one to remember. 

But, as he said, Nelson will be on a roller coaster for three days. As the NHL trade deadline is set on Friday, March 7, the chatter is only going to grow louder. Wanna know which teams are the potential spots for Brock Nelson? Let’s dive deep!

Brock Nelson’s potential trade spots and Coach’s cryptic message 

The New York Islanders’ head coach Patrick Roy also shared his heartfelt but practical message amid Brock Nelson’s trade talks. Nelson and Kyle Palmieri both have hit free agency this year. Roy said, “They love this organization. Brock’s been here from the start. He did a lot for this franchise. I’m sure it’s a moment that they do not control, but at the same time, it’s a business, isn’t it?”

In 2019, Nelson signed a six-year $36 million contract with an annual cap hit of $6 million. That’s not bad at all for someone who has gone past the 30-goal mark three times in his career and has 43 points in 61 games this season. Many players have done much less in exchange for a lot more money. But which teams are potentially interested in Brock Nelson?

Well, the deadline could see Nelson travel back to ‘The State of Hockey’ where he was born and raised. The only roadblock? Minnesota Wild’s $88 million cap ceiling. Michael Russo of The Athletic, however, suggests that GM Bill Guerin could find a way around it by chopping off some salary and having the Islanders retain a part of Nelson’s pay. As far as what the Islanders could get in return, Russo thinks that it could be Marco Rossi.

But with $11.2 million in deadline cap space, guess which team will not have a problem bringing in the veteran. The very team against which he potentially played his last match for the Islanders — the Winnipeg Jets. And Brock Nelson could be the guy they are looking for to bring some stability to their second line amidst a hugely successful season. Looks like the NHL trade deadline is gonna be interesting this year. Let’s see what happens on Friday.