The Detroit Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race, and one trade proposal suggests they could land a star forward to strengthen their push.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user proposed a deal that would send Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders to the Red Wings. Nelson, a proven scorer and reliable two-way center, would provide a significant boost to Detroit’s offense as they fight for a postseason berth.
While purely hypothetical, a move like this could be exactly what the Red Wings need to solidify their standing in the Eastern Conference.
Red Wings acquire:
Brock Nelson
Islanders acquire:
Joe Veleno
2025 second-round pick
The proposed trade appears logical, as Detroit would acquire a proven star in Brock Nelson while sending Joe Veleno and a second-round pick to the Islanders in return.
Nelson, who is in the final year of his six-year, $36 million contract, is one of the top trade targets ahead of the deadline. He would immediately slot into the Red Wings’ top six, adding much-needed scoring depth. In 59 games this season with the Islanders, Nelson has tallied 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points, making him a valuable asset for a team looking to solidify its playoff position.
On the other side, the Islanders would receive a second-round pick along with Veleno, a 25-year-old forward who could benefit from a fresh start. A former first-round pick, Veleno has recorded five goals and five assists for 10 points in 55 games this season. He is in the first year of a two-year, $4.55 million deal and could help offset the loss of Nelson in New York’s lineup.
While just a hypothetical trade, this deal could make sense for both sides as the deadline approaches.
Rival GMs Uncertain if Islanders Will Trade Nelson
Although the Islanders are currently outside of a playoff spot and Brock Nelson is set to become a free agent, his trade status remains uncertain.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported on Insider Trading that rival teams are unsure whether New York will actually move Nelson. According to LeBrun, the Islanders are still hopeful they can re-sign him, which has put trade discussions on hold.
“Another big name that teams are wondering about is Brock Nelson – a pending UFA – and he’s kind of holding up a lot of things,” LeBrun said. “There are so many teams looking for center help. He’s one of the big names. But there’s still no clear indication from the New York Islanders that he will actually be made available. Part of that is because the Islanders are still hoping to try and re-sign him.”
Nelson, who has spent his entire 899-game NHL career with the Islanders, remains a key piece of their roster. Whether New York ultimately trades him or locks him up with a new deal could be one of the biggest storylines leading up to the deadline.
Red Wings in Tight Playoff Race
The Detroit Red Wings are locked in a tight battle for a Wild Card spot, currently holding the final position with a 30-24-6 record. As the playoff race intensifies, veteran forward Patrick Kane says the team is embracing the challenge.
“You take it as a challenge,” Kane said. “Under Todd, we’ve kind of built a little bit of a foundation where we’re kind of knowing what to expect going forward and feeling confident about it as well. So just play every game. Take it a game at a time and see what happens.”
Head coach Todd McLellan echoed that mindset, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the present rather than getting caught up in winning or losing streaks.
“What I don’t want them to do is get caught up in a seven-game win streak or a four-game losing streak,” McLellan said. “I want them to live in the moment and just worry about that. It can be hard if you get caught up in all of that stuff. It can take you down or it can put you too far up. Put the equipment on, and let’s deal with things between Minute 1 and Minute 60, and we’re fine.”
The Red Wings will look to maintain their playoff position when they return to action on March 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
