The Islanders' crosstown rivals are using last year's Brock Nelson trade as the framework for a potential blockbuster ahead of this season's trade deadline.
The New York Rangers are using the New York Islanders' & Colorado Avalanche's Brock Nelson deal at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline during ongoing trade negotiations for Artemi Panarin, according to Elliotte Friedman:
At the 2025 deadline, the Islanders sent Nelson to the Avalanche in a deal involving top prospect Calum Ritchie, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 third-round pick, along with defenseman Oliver Kylington, who was quickly flipped to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations.
Panarin, 34, is a pending free agent and has been told by Rangers management that he will not be brought back this pending offseason as the two sides work towards a trade.
Potential trade suitors include the Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, and Florida Panthers.
Panarin, a winger, sits at 19 goals and 37 assists for 56 points in 51 games this season for the Rangers.
He is in the final season of a seven-year, $81,499,999 contract ($11,642,857 AAV) with the Rangers.