The Toronto Maple Leafs may need to acquire another reliable center by the trade deadline to address injury concerns, and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders would be an ideal fit. TSN analyst Mike Johnson recently indicated that a trade between the Leafs and Islanders for Nelson is a possibility, a sentiment echoed by Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. While a deal isn’t imminent, Nelson’s scoring ability and size would make him a valuable addition as a rental player.

Brock Nelson has scored at least 34 goals in each of the past three seasons for an offensively limited Islanders team. With eight goals in 22 games this season, he’s on track for nearly 30 goals, and his current shooting percentage of 11.4% is below his career average of 14.2%, suggesting he could be due for a scoring surge.

Currently, the Maple Leafs are without their top center, Auston Matthews, who is sidelined with an injury. Sportsnet’s Luke Fox also noted that Ryan Domi hasn’t been effective at centering the third line before his own injury. Although the Leafs continue to win thanks to strong performances from Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and their goaltending duo, the lack of depth at center — especially if another injury occurs — is a potential concern heading into the playoffs.

Brock Nelson is producing his offense in 18:59 of average ice time — the perfect amount for a second-line role with the Maple Leafs, or possibly a bit less if he were to center the third line. This level of production is exactly what Toronto is seeking. If Nelson continues to perform well with the Leafs this season, his current $6-million cap hit could make him a viable long-term fit for the team.

The strong play of John Tavares, who has nine goals and 20 points in 20 games this season, has reduced the urgency for general manager Brad Treliving to make an immediate move for help down the middle. However, if the Leafs acquire Brock Nelson, one option would be to shift Tavares to the third line, where his presence could create competitive mismatches.

Wherever he fits into the lineup, Nelson would strengthen Toronto’s already potent offense while contributing solidly on defense. At 6-foot-4, he brings a long reach and a physical presence that Leafs coach Craig Berube values throughout the lineup, particularly in battles around the net. Additionally, Nelson is engaged on the backcheck and away from the puck, adding to his two-way effectiveness.

A trade between the Leafs and Islanders for Brock Nelson would certainly require some salary cap adjustments to make it cap-compliant.

Toronto currently has $1.53 million in cap space, which would likely need to be used in any deal for Nelson. The Leafs are also facing a significant cap crunch when injured forwards Max Pacioretty, David Kampf, and Calle Jarnkrok are healthy and ready to return from long-term injured reserve. This will further complicate any potential moves to bring in a player like Nelson.

However, the trade could work if Leafs GM Brad Treliving can convince the Islanders to retain up to 50% of Brock Nelson’s $6-million salary, and potentially involve a third team to retain another 25% of the cap hit.

Toronto also has several assets they could offer in a trade package, including left wingers Nick Robertson and Alex Steeves, five picks in the 2025 NHL draft, and first-round picks in both 2026 and 2027. These assets give the Leafs flexibility to put together a compelling offer.

Brock Nelson, 33, will be a UFA at the end of this season, making him a high-priced rental. This status could potentially drive down the trade price, as teams would only have him for a limited time before he hits the open market.

Brock Nelson has a no-trade clause that allows him to veto a deal to 16 teams of his choosing. However, if he’s focused on a deep postseason run, he would likely be open to a trade to Toronto, where the Leafs are positioned as strong contenders.

Brock Nelson described himself as “indifferent” about signing a contract extension before the season, leaving his future uncertain as the year progresses. However, he could end up being the missing piece for the Leafs as they pursue a championship.

The Islanders are currently 8-9-5, just two points out of a wild-card spot, and have won only four of their last 10 games. If their performance doesn’t improve, trading Nelson to a legitimate Cup contender like the Leafs could become a logical move for the Islanders.