DENVER — Even when a game is going on, the Colorado Avalanche were busy off the ice.

It was announced at the beginning of the third period that the Avs acquired Brock Nelson and William Dufour from the New York Islanders. In return, the Isles received Oliver Kylington, a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft, and top forward prospect Calum Ritchie.

It’s another crazy move in an already crazy season full of moves for the Avalanche. Nelson is the big piece being acquired. He has 20 goals and 23 assists for 43 points in 61 games. Better yet for the Avs, he is a center who is proven in his play and could finally fill the second-line center position.

The Isles are retaining 50% of Nelson’s $6 million contract. He is an expiring UFA at season’s end. The big question for Nelson is whether or not he is capable of fitting into Colorado’s system at 33 years old. His defensive play is also a question mark. Nonetheless, he will help drive plays forward and it’s something Colorado can always use more of.

Going the other way from the Avalanche roster is Kylington, who was a scratch in this evening’s game. The blue-liner had improved his game as the season went on, but inconsistency was his struggle. More draft picks exit Colorado’s organization, but there weren’t a lot in the first place. Kylington was then flipped to the Anaheim Ducks moments later.

The big piece is trading away top prospect forward Cal Ritchie. He played in seven games this season with Colorado and looked to have a bright future in the organization. Even after he left Colorado, he’s torn it up in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals. Currently, he has 14 goals and 53 assists for 67 points in just 41 games. Funny enough, he’s scored his lone career NHL goal against the Isles.

William Dufour, another part of the deal heading to Colorado, is a 23-year-old right-winger who only has one NHL game under his belt. He has played mostly in the AHL with the Bridgeport Islanders, with eight goals and 10 assists in 45 games this season. He will likely join the Colorado Eagles in Loveland.

Meanwhile, Nelson will immediately slot into the Avalanche lineup. The big question will be where. Will he be centering the second line with a combination of Valeri Nichushkin, Artturi Lehkonen, and Jonathan Drouin? Could he be on the third line with Casey Mittelstadt or Ross Colton? Could he even be up for a spot on the first line with Nathan MacKinnon?

He’ll likely join the team in time for the next game on Saturday evening against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He will immediately be under scrutiny based on his fit and where he’ll be in the lineup.