The Colorado Avalanche have secured center Brock Nelson with a three-year contract extension valued at $22.5 million, offering a $7.5 million cap hit. The announcement was made by the team, and it marks a significant move for the Avalanche as they fortify their roster for the coming seasons.
Colorado’s decision to extend Nelson comes after they traded for him at the deadline, giving up a first-round pick in 2026 and top prospect Calum Ritchie, among other assets. This move was strategic, particularly following their first-round playoff exit against the Dallas Stars, as losing Nelson to free agency would have been a considerable setback.
Nelson, now 33, is expected to address the team’s need for a reliable second-line center after the departure of Nazem Kadri in 2022. Despite a slightly down season where he notched 26 goals and 56 points across 80 games split between the New York Islanders and the Avalanche, he proved to be a valuable addition. He averaged 0.70 points per game with the Islanders and maintained a similar production level with Colorado, tallying 13 points in 19 games after the trade.
Interestingly, the contract Nelson signed mirrors the offer previously made by the Islanders before his trade, indicating a recognition of his value. This contract may set a benchmark for other prominent unrestricted free agents like Sam Bennett and John Tavares, who are also looking for extensions.
Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland has now assembled a strong center lineup, including Nathan MacKinnon and Charlie Coyle, all locked in for at least the next year. However, this commitment to Nelson poses challenges ahead due to limited cap space for the team, leaving them with only $1.2 million for the 2025-26 season.
As the Avalanche strive for a more competitive roster, they must navigate potential roster cuts and the constraints of their current financial situation. Nonetheless, the signing of Nelson represents a significant step forward in their efforts to build a winning team and highlight their commitment to competing at a high level.
Overall, the Avalanche’s proactive approach to retaining talent such as Nelson bodes well for their future ambitions and reinforces their dedication to maintaining a competitive edge in the league.