Inside the Locker Room: Avalanche Thrilled With Brock Nelson’s Arrival

Brock Nelson was always going to be the best rental center option on the market if the New York Islanders committed to trading him.

The decision to move the 33-year-old was made Thursday afternoon, and before the night was over, Nelson was a member of the Avalanche.

Colorado acquired Nelson from the Islanders while they were in the process of stomping the last-place San Jose Sharks at Ball Arena. In return, general manager Chris MacFarland sent New York top prospect Calum Ritchie, defenseman Oliver Kylington, a first-round draft pick, and a conditional third-round pick.

READ MORE: Avs Make Deal With Islanders for Brock Nelson

Rumors of the big trade began to swirl early in the third period. Before it was halfway through, both the Isles and Avalanche made the deal official. As for the players and coaching staff who were still mid-game, they didn’t hear about the news until after the final buzzer.

The consensus around the team is excitement. Starting with the head coach, who had perhaps the most in-depth breakdown of Colorado’s newest addition.

“It’s a huge add. Huge add,” Jared Bednar said. “Looking at how hard it is, come playoff time, and you’re adding a player of Brock’s caliber, center position, big, long, strong, can skate, highly productive, getting better with age.

“He’s always been a trusted 200-foot player. And if you look at his history, I mean, he’s scoring 30-plus goals most years, too. So to get a player of that caliber is hard to do. It’s an amazing add for our team.”

Before starting his post-game media availability, Cale Makar, who had just learned about the trade, was asking other teammates and staff members about what they’re getting in the long-time Islander.

Devon Toews spent several years as a teammate of Nelson on Long Island. And Ryan Lindgren, who was acquired last weekend from the New York Rangers, has gone to battle with Nelson.

But their relationship is bigger than that.

“I know Brock a little bit. We skate together in the summer,” Lindgren told me. “I played against him a lot during the year, but he’s a heck of a player, heck of a guy, so great addition here.”

Lindgren’s been through a whirlwind of his own.

“It’s really exciting, what they got going on here. I’m just happy to be part of it,” he said.

Nathan MacKinnon was asked about the trade, too. He had two goals and three assists against the Sharks but couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.

“I know Brock from over the years,” MacKinnon said. “We have the same strength coach, so we’ve been at the same camps. I’m really excited, he’s an amazing player.”

MacKinnon also commented on the Avs’ aggressiveness this season.

“We have to. These are our years, it’s up to us. There’s no other way,” he said. “We’re not in rebuild mode yet.”