The Colorado Avalanche have locked in a key piece of their roster, re-signing center Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension. The deal, announced on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, will keep the veteran forward in Denver through the 2027-28 season. The contract carries an average annual value of $7.5 million, totaling $22.5 million over the life of the agreement.
Nelson, 33, arrived in Colorado at the trade deadline last season in a deal that saw the Avalanche send a 2026 first-round pick, prospect Calum Ritchie, and other assets to the New York Islanders. He quickly integrated into the Avalanche lineup, providing a steady presence and contributing offensively. In 19 regular-season games with Colorado, Nelson tallied 6 goals and 7 assists, ranking among the team's top performers in that span. He also added 4 assists in 7 playoff games.
"We're thrilled to have reached an agreement with Brock to keep him in Colorado for the next three seasons," said Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland. "He's been a great center in this league for a long time, and he brings professionalism and a dedicated work ethic on and off the ice. We think he will be a great fit and will be a stabilizing presence to our second-line center 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."
Prior to the trade, Nelson spent his entire NHL career with the Islanders, who drafted him 30th overall in 2010. In 61 games with New York last season, he recorded 20 goals and 23 assists. His combined total of 26 goals and 30 assists (56 points) in 80 games between the Islanders and Avalanche marked his fourth consecutive season with at least 20 goals and 50 points. Nelson also reached a significant milestone last season, scoring his 300th career goal on April 12 against the Los Angeles Kings.
The Avalanche's decision to extend Nelson underscores their commitment to contending for championships in the coming years. His experience, offensive capabilities, and two-way play make him a valuable asset to the team's forward group. Nelson's ability to play in all situations, including the power play and penalty kill, further enhances his importance to the Avalanche.
Notably, the contract Nelson signed with the Avalanche mirrors the offer he received from the Islanders before the trade. This suggests that Nelson was comfortable with the terms and saw Colorado as a desirable long-term fit. For the Islanders, moving Nelson allowed them to acquire a top prospect in Ritchie and a valuable first-round pick, which will aid in their ongoing retooling efforts under new General Manager Mathieu Darche.
With Nelson locked in for the next three seasons, the Avalanche can focus on building around their core players and continuing their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. His presence provides stability and depth down the middle, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the NHL.
