The search for the second line center is over for the Colorado Avalanche. They have re-signed center Brock Nelson for a three-year contract extension worth $7.5 million per year.


Nelson, a veteran of 13 years in the NHL, has spent the most of his career with the New York Islanders. In eight of the 13 years, the Minnesota native has dressed in nearly every game for the Islanders. On March 6, 2024, the New York Islanders traded Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche for Calum Ritchie and two draft picks.

From that point forward, Nelson remained a consistent player in the Avalanche lineup. He played 19 regular season games and tallied six goals and seven assists.

“My family and I are excited to be staying in Colorado,” said Nelson. “Having spent my entire career with one organization, we weren’t totally sure what to expect when we arrived in Denver. But getting the opportunity to play for the Avalanche, to compete with a great group of teammates in that locker room, and in front of the tremendous fans at Ball Arena, we knew this was where we wanted to stay.”

What does this mean?

The Avalanche now have only $1.2 million left in their cap space. Colorado still need to sign their third pair for defense with Ryan Lindgren and Sam Malinski. This also means that Jonathan Drouin will probably not get a new contract with the Avalanche either.

Colorado will have to make a move to make room for any signing that will have to come later in the summer. Later this month in the NHL Draft, the Avalanche have only two picks. Moving a player will not only clear cap space but could also gain picks. Colorado also does not have a pick in the first three rounds next year. Moving a player could gain some of those back as well.

This could be a good move in the long run, but it could make for a patchwork of a team that will come later this summer. This could make it difficult to sign players in the system later, giving little hope for a call up. Are the Avalanche better after signing Nelson? They most likely will not be in the long run.