News that Dylan Larkin requested a trade excited the NHL last week, as the Stanley Cup finals are still underway. Almost immediately, fans and general managers alike wondered what it would take to get the welcomed addition of Larkin on their team. The price is sure to be high, and bidding among clubs will only make it higher.
What if the Devils looked toward somewhere else for a possible center trade? Could Brock Nelson of the Colorado Avalanche be a potential option? The Devils saw a lot of Nelson back during his time with the New York Islanders. Nelson finished with an impressive 33 goals and 32 assists for 65 points this past season. General Manager Chris MacFarland has moved to the Nashville Predators. Maybe interim general manager Joe Sakic sees Nelson as expendable for the right price?
Aside from his impressive production, it was how Nelson played with Jack Hughes on the United States Olympic Men’s hockey team that really makes him an attractive candidate. At the Olympics, the younger Hughes developed undeniable chemistry with the older Nelson. Three of Hughes’ seven points at the international competition were scored in tandem with Nelson. Ironically, one of the four that Nelson didn’t share the scoresheet with Hughes was the “golden goal”, which still doesn’t understate how well the two worked together.
Brock Nelson could be a good target if the Devils are truly out of the Dylan Larkin sweepstakes
Acquiring Nelson would have two immediate effects for the Devils. First, it would move Jack Hughes back to the wing position, where he played during the Olympic contest with great success. Second, it would give the Devils another reliable option down the center. Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Cody Glass, who emerged as a surprising bottom six contributor, are currently expected to be the Devils top three centers. Ironically, moving Hughes to Nelson’s wing would take away one of those options, but the scoring touch is there (just make sure Timo Meier stays at his natural position).
The Avalanche paid a step price for Nelson by sending a package including a first-round pick to the Islanders at the 2025 deadline when Nelson was a pending unrestricted free agent. Nelson re-signed on a three-year deal, with two years remaining. That sure won’t bring the price down from what the Avalanche paid to acquire him, but it’s still sure to be more affordable than what a Dylan Larkin trade would require (even though the Devils are reportedly not one of the three teams Larkin seeks as a destination).
Larkin is 34 years old, so this would be a short-term move instead of a long-term answer for the Devils at center. If he can recapture some of that Milano magic with Hughes, it would catapult the Devils into a truly elite offensive tier. Of course, this place will only work as long as Hughes stays healthy.
Add us as a preferred source on Google