Former Islanders center Brock Nelson is a perfect fit in Colorado, which is why the Avalanche paid so much to get him at the NHL trade deadline before other Cup contenders could, says Ken Campbell.

When Brock Nelson reacted so emotionally while being interviewed after scoring what turned out to be his last goal and assist for the New York Islanders Tuesday night, you had to know this trade was coming.

Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello couldn't convince Nelson to commit to the organization, so he moved Nelson for futures that were simply too good to pass up.

And now the Avs move on in the quest for another Stanley Cup, pushing in all their chips and overpaying for a player they feel that, in the short term at least, can replace Nazem Kadri at their No. 2 C spot.

And now the others who had zeroed in on Nelson are left scrambling.

Today's video reaction to the trade has more.

NHL Trade Deadline Central 2025: Trade Tracker, Analysis, Speculation, Lists And More One of the most anticipated times on the hockey calendar is here with NHL trade deadline week.

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