By trading only Brock Nelson this week, general manager Lou Lamoriello committed to the challenge of trying to retool the New York Islanders while keeping them in contention.

The Colorado Avalanche landed forward Brock Nelson through a trade with the New York Islanders, the teams announced.

The New York Islanders have already made a big move on Thursday, as they have sent Brock Nelson along with William Dufour to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Calum Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, a pair of first-round picks (2026 and 2027) and a conditional pick in the third round of the 2028 NHL draft.

Brock Nelson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche by the New York Islanders on Thursday for defenseman Oliver Kylington, forward prospect Calum Ritchie, a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

The Avalanche have acquired Brock Nelson of the Islanders, the most coveted center available ahead of Friday's NHL trade deadline.

In the middle of a game? No problem for the Colorado Avalanche!

The Colorado Avalanche made a big splash on Thursday evening, acquiring Brock Nelson and William Dufour from the New York Islanders for prospect Cal Ritchie, defenseman Oliver Kylington, a first-round pick in either 2026 or 2027 and a 2028 third-rounder.

The New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche combined for the latest blockbuster before this year's NHL Trade Deadline. Pending free-agent forward Brock Nelson