DENVER (AP) – The Colorado Avalanche reinforced their center depth by re-signing Brock Nelson to a three-year contract.
The team announced the extension on Wednesday, ensuring that the 33-year-old Nelson will remain with the Avalanche through the 2027-28 season. Colorado acquired Nelson in a trade with the New York Islanders on March 6. He played 19 games with the Avalanche, finishing the regular season with six goals and seven assists, and contributed four assists during the team’s first-round playoff exit against Dallas.
“A veteran center with a long track record of success, he embodies professionalism and a strong work ethic both on and off the ice,” said Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland. “He’s an excellent fit and provides stability for our second-line center role, leveraging his size and versatility across the ice. We’re eager to see his impact over a more extended period with the Avalanche.”
Nelson has accumulated 587 career points, consisting of 301 goals and 286 assists, over 920 regular-season games since being selected by the Islanders in the first round of the 2010 NHL draft. He previously played at North Dakota before joining the Islanders.
Nathan MacKinnon serves as Colorado’s first-line center, having finished the regular season with 116 points, placing him second in the league. Nelson will fill the second-line center position while Charlie Coyle anchors the third line.
Known for his durability, Nelson has played in 246 consecutive regular-season games.
“Having dedicated my entire career to one team, we weren’t entirely certain what to expect when we got to Denver,” Nelson said. He was brought in as part of a trade that sent Calum Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, a first-round pick in the 2026 or 2027 NHL draft, and a conditional third-round pick in 2028 to the Islanders. “However, the chance to play for the Avalanche, compete alongside a fantastic group of teammates, and engage with the amazing fans at Ball Arena made it clear that this is where we wanted to be.”
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