Brock Nelson says representing Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off provides relief from ongoing trade speculation surrounding his future with the New York Islanders.
“It’s a mental break,” Nelson told Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “It’s something you kind of put on pause a little bit just being here.”
The 33-year-old center carries a $6-million cap hit and will become an unrestricted free agent after this season. His contract includes a 16-team no-trade list.
Nelson’s potential availability ahead of the March 7 trade deadline has drawn significant attention, though the Islanders’ recent playoff push may impact his future. The team sits four points out of a wild-card position entering the 4 Nations break.
“I want what’s best for me, family, team and everything. So, there’s a lot of factors that go into it,” Nelson said. “I know everybody kind of wants an answer right now, but that’s not how the world works. You don’t always get what you want, too.”
The Islanders selected Nelson in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft. He’s recorded 35 points through 55 games this season.
Nelson has established himself as a consistent offensive threat, scoring 30 or more goals in each of the past three seasons. He’s spent his entire 12-year NHL career with with the Islanders.
