The Toronto Maple Leafs, a top team in the NHL, are the subject of a proposed trade that would bring in star forward Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, one user suggested the following blockbuster trade:
Toronto would receive:
- Brock Nelson ($3 million of his salary retained by the Islanders)
New York would receive:
- Nick Robertson
- Mikko Kokkonen
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2025 third-round pick (Edmonton’s)
This move would allow Toronto to add a proven goal scorer to strengthen their offense for a deep playoff run, while New York would gain two draft picks and young prospects, hinting at a possible rebuild. Nelson, in the final year of his $36 million contract, has netted 6 goals and 2 assists in 15 games this season. With a career high of 37 goals in 2021-22, he has accumulated 539 points over 855 games.
In return, Toronto would part with 23-year-old Robertson, who could fill the offensive gap for New York. Although he requested a trade in the offseason, Robertson has remained with the Leafs, scoring 1 goal in 14 games. Kokkonen, drafted in 2019, is also included, potentially adding depth to the Islanders’ defense.
Maple Leafs Address Key Injuries
Toronto’s forward lineup has been impacted by injuries, making Nelson’s scoring ability especially attractive. Star center Auston Matthews remains on IR, though Coach Craig Berube assures fans that Matthews is progressing as expected. During Toronto’s 4-1 win over Montreal on November 9, Max Pacioretty also suffered a lower-body injury.
Currently, Toronto holds a 9-5-2 record, ranking second in the Atlantic Division.
Islanders’ Season and Rebuilding Prospects
With a slower start to the season at 6-6-3, the Islanders sit fifth in the Metropolitan Division. If they don’t turn things around, they may look to trade players like Nelson as they near free agency. The Islanders recently suffered a 4-3 OT loss to New Jersey, despite leading 3-1 in the third period.
New York’s injury list also includes key players like Mike Reilly, Mathew Barzal, Adam Pelech, and Anthony Duclair, which could impact their performance and decision-making as the trade deadline approaches.