AVALANCHE ADD BROCK NELSON!

The Colorado Avalanche acquired forwards Brock Nelson and William Dufour from the New York Islanders for defenseman Oliver Kylington, forward Calum Ritchie, a conditional first-round draft pick in 2026 and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2028.

What does it give the Colorado Avalanche
Nelson was arguably the top center available at the trade deadline this year, but the Islanders were not even sure they wanted to part with the veteran until the day before the deadline. Nelson is a very solid all-around performer who is underrated in many areas of the game. Look for him to instantly become Colorado's No. 2 center. As for the 23-year-old Dufour, he is a big winger who has not lived up to expectations as a scorer in the AHL. The third-rounder in '28 will only be sent to the Isles if the Avs win the Stanley Cup and Nelson plays 50 percent of their playoff games.

What does it give the New York Islanders
The Islanders are still in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference, but they have several teams to leapfrog. Therefore, it does make sense that they moved pending UFA Nelson at this time. Kylington is a depth defenseman at this point in his career, but Ritchie is the key to this trade. He has the potential to become New York's No. 1 center in a few years. The 2026 first-rounder acquired in this trade is top-10 protected and could slide to 2027. However, Colorado is unlikely to become a non-playoff team next season. So, look for New York to select twice in round 1 in the '26 draft.

Fantasy impact
Nelson's fantasy value may skyrocket moving from Long Island to Denver, since the Avalanche are a far more offensive squad. He may not re-sign with the Avs, though. So, this looks like a short-term boon for all Nelson owners in fantasy leagues. Kylington has no fantasy value, while Dufour is starting to run out of time to prove he can become a decent NHL scoring winger. As for Ritchie, he was a solid fantasy keeper in deep leagues but his value should take a bit of a dive moving to the Islanders. Still, he is a quality prospect who may have a chance to play in the NHL more quickly as an Islander.