According to Marco D'Amico of RG Media, Brock Nelson reportedly nixed a trade to the Winnipeg Jets in favour of a move to the Colorado Avalanche.
The Jets and the New York Islanders had a move in place which would have seen the 33-year-old head to Winnipeg, likely sending one of Brayden Yager, Brad Lambert, or Colby Barlow the other way.
After waiving his no-trade clause to block the trade, former Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello completed a trade with the Avalanche, sending Nelson and prospect William Dufour to the Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2028 conditional third-round pick, top prospect Calum Ritchie, and defenseman Oliver Kylington.
The Jets left the trade deadline having added just Brandon Tanev and Luke Schenn, despite several rumours stating they were looking for additional help, specifically in the second-line center role. If the reports are true, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff did his due diligence in his pursuit, but the unfortunate circumstances of no-trade clauses denied him.
Acquiring Nelson would have been a major boost for the Jets, even though his stint with the Avalanche was underwhelming. The American forward scored six goals and 13 points in 19 regular-season games but managed just four assists in the Avalanche's seven-game series loss to the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs.
Nelson is not expected to re-sign with the Avalanche, testing the waters of free agency for the first time in his career. The Jets could make a play for him this offseason, but seeing as how he nixed a trade earlier, it would be quite surprising if he decided to sign with the Jets in the following offseason.
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