What is the possibility that Brock Nelson lands in Winnipeg before the end of this season? With chatter that Nelson could be among the more popular trade targets and with the Jets looking for the type of skill set that Nelson brings, there are reasons to wonder if this is a strong fit.
Jets Could Be a Landing Spot for Brock Nelson
The Winnipeg Jets are firmly in the playoff picture, jockeying for first place in the overall standings, but there’s one area where they could use an upgrade: center depth. Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson has the Jets on a short list of teams that could be a fit.
As Richardson points out, Adam Lowry and Vladislav Namestnikov have played well, but that doesn’t mean a player like Nelson wouldn’t help. He’d give an already strong team that much more firepower. He’d also add some needed stability on the second line, which would help the Jets gain depth. And, if the Islanders can be convinced to retain salary on Nelson, who is a pending UFA, the Jets could make a move without adding more than $3 million (prorated) to their cap.
Richardson writes:
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has shown a willingness in the past to pursue rental players for the postseason at the trade deadline. With $11.2 million in trade deadline cap space, the Jets have plenty of room to acquire Nelson and still have enough for other additions.
Brock Nelson Islanders trade talk to the Winnipeg Jets?
Insiders have debated how much the Jets are willing to push in at the deadline, and it’s not clear what the cost would be to acquire Nelson (likely a first-rounder). If the deadline nears and the Jets feel that pressure to add, Nelson could be the guy.
Nelson Does Have Some Leverage in Trade Discussions
One factor to consider is Nelson’s 16-team no-trade list. It would be logical to assume he’d gladly jump on the team’s wagon, even if for the short term. Given how close he would be to his Minnesota home and the likelihood that the Jets will do well during the playoffs, they could be a strong candidate for a playoff run.
Who’s to say Nelson wouldn’t be open for a fun couple of months if he could go to the Stanley Cup Final?
