After trying to retain the aging goal scorer, the New York Islanders have traded Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche:

The Islanders are retaining 50% on Nelson's deal ($3 million). 

Moments after making the trade, the Islanders flipped Kylington to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations. 

Nelson, 33,  had scored 20 goals and tallied 23 assists for 43 points in 61 games with three goals and four assists over his last five games. 

The Islanders were conflicted all season, with Nelson entering a pending UFA year and the team bouncing back and forth between struggling and fighting for a playoff spot.

Ultimately a contract extension could not be worked out, and, given the seller's market, Lamoriello did what he had to do.

Nelson was the second-longest tenured Islander since he made his NHL debut on Apr. 3, 2012. He was drafted in the first round, 30th overall in 2010.

Calum Ritchie, the key return for the Islanders, was the Avalanche's 1st round pick in 2023 (No. 27). 

Per Islanders team site: Ritchie played in seven games for Colorado this season, scoring a goal before returning to the Oshawa Generals (Ontario Hockey League). The Oakville, Ontario native has played in 215 OHL games, all with the Oshawa, averaging over a point-per-game with 251 points (85 goals and 166 assists) in 215 games. The 6’2, 195-pound center was selected to the OHL All-Rookie team in 2022. Ritchie was selected by the Avalanche in the first round (27th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

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