A veteran forward is reportedly leaving the Colorado Avalanche following the team's heartbreaking playoff exit in the first round against the Dallas Stars.
At the last trade deadline, the Colorado Avalanche acquired one of the most coveted trade targets when they completed a deal with the New York Islanders involving Brock Nelson.
General Manager Chris MacFarland paid a hefty price to get him, sending interesting prospects Oliver Kylington and Calum Ritchie, as well as two draft picks.
Unfortunately, his impact in Colorado was limited: he couldn't score a goal in the playoffs but still played a key defensive role.
In his end-of-season press conference, the Avs GM mentioned that while he didn't score, he's a great player:
"Brock came in and did a good job. He didn't get a goal in the playoffs, but, like, we don't judge everything by goals, right? He's a very strong defensive player. He's a big body. He's hard to play against in his own way. He's been a proven goal scorer in this league. That's the danger of short sample sizes in the playoffs, right? If we move on and he gets five goals in Round 2 and whatever, everyone forgets about Round 1.'
Nelson, 33, is set to become a free agent on July 1st and could be looking to leave the team this summer, according to a new report.
Indeed, nothing indicates Nelson will sign an extension with the Avs this summer:
If the player were to hit free agency, many teams are likely to show interest in what could turn into a bidding war to get him.
After all, despite failing to score in the playoffs, he still scored 43 points in 61 games with the Isles and 13 in 19 games with the Avs.
Stay tuned for details on Nelson's contractual situation and the Colorado Avalanche's offseason plans.
This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.
