Major Development in Maple Leafs' Trade Pursuit of Brock Nelson, per Elliotte Friedman
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has given an update regarding Brock Nelson, who is expected to be a prime trade target this season, but will he be dealt?
As trade talks heat up, Brock Nelson ($6.5M) is expected to fetch a large return from a team looking to add a premium player in order to make a strong postseason run. The question is: How much is he going to end up costing?
According to a new report from Elliotte Friedman, it may take a lot more than expected, given New York is trying their best to hold onto him.
If the Islanders are looking to keep Nelson around -- what can the Maple Leafs do to still have a fighting chance?
Report: Islanders Want To Re-Sign Brock Nelson: Elliotte Friedman
With news that New York is potentially looking at offering him a three-year extension, it's a hefty amount for a player who is going to be 36 at the end of it.
Let's break down why the Islanders would love to keep Nelson around.
Nelson, 33, has been an Islander since being drafted by the team 30th overall in 2010. This season he has 16 goals and 17 assists in 54 games while adding 53.3% on face-off wins.
For his career, Nelson is always a steady and reliable offensive star. In his 12 years with New York he has 291 goals and 273 assists heading into Saturday night's game.
With Nelson looking like he is sticking around -- where does that leave the Maple Leafs?
Toronto needs to shift gears to Noah Dobson. With the team needing to have as much defensive insurance as possible, you'd be crazy not to try and offer a Fraser Minten led package for him.
Dobson, 25, is a fantastic two-way defender who would give Morgan Rielly the assistance he needs. This year, he has 6 goals and 18 assists in 46 games for the Islanders.
If New York is going to value the experience and veteran leadership of Nelson over the potential of Dobson then Toronto has to be aggressive in pursuing him.
Can Brad Treliving convince New York to trade Nelson? Does he shift gears in order to bring in better defense? Only time will tell.
But what do YOU think? Should the Maple Leafs still try and acquire Brock Nelson or look at another player?
