Free Agency Frenzy: Bruins Target Superstar in Free Agency

The Boston Bruins need to upgrade their top six and could look to improve the lineup during the postseason. One option is pending UFA and Islanders forward Brock Nelson.

Brock Nelson has spent his entire NHL career with the New York Islanders, and according to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, the center will likely pursue free agency on July 1.

The Islanders could move Brock Nelson by the trade deadline, should they be outside of a spot in the playoffs.

Brock Nelson’s 12-year tenure on Long Island will likely end by the time next summer rolls around. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic writes Thursday that he believes Nelson “intends to test free agency on July 1,” upping the likelihood of the Islanders dealing the pending unrestricted free agent by the trade deadline if they don’t put themselves back in playoff position by then.

This season has seen a decline in production for the 12-year Islanders forward who only scored 20 points (10G, 10A) in 35 games. On pace for 47 points, this will be the lowest point pace he’s been on since the shortened season of 2020-21, where he scored 33 points.

If he isn’t moved by the trade deadline and doesn’t re-sign in July with the New York Islanders, could GM Don Sweeney make him an offer? The rising salary cap coming during the offseason could help entice the Minnesota-born forward.

Nelson is currently, in year 6 of 6, as his $6.0 million AAV deal expires in 2025. He’s refused to use the public media to negotiate or give an idea of an extension with the Islanders.

“I’m indifferent,” Nelson said. “I mean, I know that’s the backside of it, but at the same time, right now, it’s about coming in here, working, playing, having fun, and worrying about your game. So all of that will sort itself out. I’m pretty comfortable with Lou and have a great relationship with him to sort things out and see how they play out.

“So for me, there’s not a whole lot of thought that goes into it and then I get to go home and be with the kids and not think about the game, which is great.”

With Nelson’s current 11% shooting percentage and declining production it would be hard to see Lou Lamiorell get a huge return for the center. This could work in Sweeney’s favor, but in order to make it work long term, the team should view this as more than just a trade for a rental.

Lamiorello should consider retaining any cash if the Bruins are to bite, and he should negotiate an extension prior to the trade happening, in order to make sure Sweeney doesn’t blow cash needed for the future.

Nelson has played 875 games in the NHL, all with the Islanders, and has scored 551 points (285G, 266A) with a +5 rating.