DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche have bolstered their roster by signing forward Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension. This move ensures Nelson remains with the team, strengthening their depth at the center position.
A source with knowledge of the agreement, who spoke on condition of anonymity as terms were not officially released, indicated the deal is valued at $22.5 million in total. This extension commits the 33-year-old Nelson to the Avalanche through the conclusion of the 2027-28 NHL season, carrying an annual salary cap hit of $7.5 million.
Nelson originally joined Colorado on March 6 via a trade with the New York Islanders. He finished the regular season with the Avalanche, recording six goals and seven assists in 19 games. During the team`s first-round playoff series exit against Dallas, he contributed four assists.
Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland commented on the signing: “He’s been a great centre in this league for a long time, and he brings professionalism and a dedicated work ethic on and off the ice. We think he’s a great fit and is a stabilizing presence to our second-line centre role with his size and ability to touch all areas of the ice. We’re excited to see what his contributions will be over a larger sample size with the Avalanche.”
Nelson boasts a career total of 587 points, comprising 301 goals and 286 assists, accumulated over 920 regular-season games since being drafted by the Islanders in the first round in 2010. He played collegiately at North Dakota before starting his professional career with the Islanders organization.
He is expected to continue centering the Avalanche`s second line, playing behind top center Nathan MacKinnon, who finished second in the league with 116 points in the past regular season. Charlie Coyle typically anchors the team`s third line.
Nelson has demonstrated significant durability throughout his career, having played in 246 consecutive regular-season games.
Reflecting on his transition and decision to stay, Nelson, who was acquired in a trade package that included prospects Calum Ritchie and Oliver Kylington along with future draft picks sent to the Islanders, stated, “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.”
Nelson`s $7.5 million annual salary could potentially influence the market for other forwards heading towards free agency, such as John Tavares of Toronto and Matt Duchene of Dallas.
