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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on Brock Nelson's six-year, $36 million contract extension with the New York Islanders.
Todd Cordell
Nelson finished 2nd on the offensively challenged Islanders in goals, 3rd in points, and he plays a premium position. With few attractive center options available in this year's free agent class, I can understand *why* the Islanders felt they had to make a $36 million commitment. I think it's an overpay for what Nelson brings to the table, though.
In three seasons prior to last, he averaged 40 points. That was as a 24, 25, and 26-year-old. Prime years. Hats off to him for stepping up in his contract year, but I'm not sure I'd bet on that becoming the normal.
If his production dips a bit and he is a ~45 point guy for a few seasons before a decline becomes noticeable, I'm not sure he is giving the Islanders much – any? – value at this price. It's not like he drives play, draws lots of penalties, or does other things to significantly contribute if the offense isn't there.
Sean Maloughney
Inflation is real. A whole gaggle of 40-50 point players around the league are licking their chops at seeing Nelson and his 6 million dollar deal.
Right now the Islanders can afford it, Brock Nelson is now the top paid forward on the team and considering how the team faired last season that is pretty impressive. According to Cap Friendly the Islanders have over 29 million in cap space right now with a number of players heading to free agency. The team will also need to start preparing for what Barzal's next contract is going to look like.
It certainly isn't a value deal but it probably isn't going to break the team. Nelson will be 28 next season, meaning his contract will expire after he is 34 years of age. He remains a healthy player throughout his career and should be counted on for 20+ goals a year.
Peter Tessier
I think it makes Andrew Ladd's deal look good? Is that how this works?
I guess it's okay but it seems odd that it was the first deal of him and Lee to be done. If it prevents Lee from signing due to cap space or contract value agreement then did the Islanders go the wrong direction first?
I don't love it simply because I think there should be more value for 6 million but the NHL has a funny inflation factor to deals. Look at it this way Tavares at 11 million after 84 points 37g and 47a while Nelson is 6 million after 53 points 25g 28a- is 31 points or 12 goals and 19 assists worth 5 million more?
James Tanner
The Brock Nelson deal is too long, too much money and completely par for the course that Lou Lamoriello plays on. In recent years, the NHL's worst GM has signed Patrick Marleau, Nikita Zaitsev, Matt Martin, Leo Komarov, and Ross Johnson (and I might have this anonymous guy's name wrong, might as well be John Doe). Now you can add Brock Nelson's name to this list of inequity, as Lamoriello has done it again - given an insane amount of term and money to an unworthy player. Living in Toronto I've listened for months as the mainstream media has praised Lamoriello (voted GM of the years, inexplicably, at the halfway point of the season) while trashing his replacement, Kyle Dubas, for signing Nylander. Nylander put up nine more points in his rookie year than in Nelson's career high, can also play centre, and is one of the league's best play driving players. He's also 22. For the same term and a few hundred K less, the 28 year old Nelson gets signed, but it's a good deal. Somehow.
Anyways, this deal is atrocious, one of the worst in the NHL, and Lamoriello is horrible at his job.
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