The Colorado Avalanche locked up a key centre. The news was announced Wednesday that Brock Nelson signed an extension with the Avalanche. This is a three-year contract that’s worth $22.5 million. The deal carries an average annual cap hit of $7.5 million per season, expiring at the end of the 2027-28 season.
Brock Nelson signs a three year extension with the Avs! Thoughts on the deal?
pic.twitter.com/mgVy9kjEB5
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 4, 2025
Brock Nelson Signs Extension with Colorado Avalanche
Nelson spent the majority of his 14-year NHL career with the New York Islanders, joining the Avalanche at the 2025 trade deadline. Appearing in 80 games, the 33-year-old collected 26 goals, 30 assists and 56 points across the season. He brought a strong presence in the face-off circle, finishing with a winning percentage of 52.
The Warroad, Minn. native has 301 goals and 286 assists for 587 points across 920 career games. The Islanders drafted Nelson 30th overall back in the 2010 NHL entry draft, while he made his pro debut during the 2012 playoffs. Nelson became a key contributor to Islanders shortly after his debut, and was a focal point during the 2020 and 2021 deep playoff runs.
The Avalanche paid a hefty price in acquiring Nelson at the deadline, but locking up the free agent center alleviates some of the long term pain.
How Everything Fits
Nelson’s transition to Colorado came with it’s ups and downs, but the veteran center fills a valuable hole in the Stanley Cup contenders lineup. Slotting into Colorado’s second line, Nelson has posted three straight 30+ goal seasons prior to the 2024-25 season, and should hit that mark again while playing in the high-octane offence the Avalanche play.
Nelson built great chemistry during the playoffs, playing on a line with Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. With a new three contract Avs General Manager Chris McFarland is looking for that chemistry to continue and provide the secondary scoring that Colorado has missed since their 2022 Cup run.
The cap hit may be a bit pricey, but locks up Colorado’s top six forwards for next season.
Main photo by: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
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