A Promising Future Ahead for a Young NHL Defenseman On Sunday, Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano announced that he had decided to sign a three-year extension: The pending unrestricted winger was expected to be available before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 7th. The Ducks are seventh in the Pacific Division and six points back of a wild-card spot. So, what does this mean for the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/]? We know that if Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello makes Brock Nelson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/brock-nelson-new-york-islanders-2025-nhl-trade-deadline-free-agency-contract] available, there will be many teams that will call to inquire. While Frank Vatrano isn't a center, nor does he have the scoring touch that Nelson has been known for, centers can play wing. Nelson hasn't played wing much in his career, but he is certainly capable of doing it, and with Vatrano now off trade-list boards, more eyes will be on Nelson. How many more? Time will tell. But, the more forwards that come off the board, with players like Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen likely staying put in their respective cities like Vatrano, the more attention Nelson is likely to receive. Nelson, who has 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points in 39 games, is in the final season of a six-year deal worth $6 million annually.
