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NHL Trade Rumors: New Jersey Devils Interested In Brock Nelson

By Dave Stevenson

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders skates against the Boston Bruins at Barclays Center on January 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders skates against the Boston Bruins at Barclays Center on January 2, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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According to Elliotte Friedman, the New Jersey Devils have expressed interest in New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson

As NHL Trade Rumors season begins to heat up, there are several teams looking for some help. The New Jersey Devils are definitely one of them. They’re looking to add some offense and defense as they look to hold onto a playoff spot in a very competitive Metropolitan Division. According to Elliotte Friedman, Brock Nelson is one of the forwards they’re looking at.

"Don’t know if the Islanders and Devils would make a trade with both chasing the playoffs, but I do think New Jersey has taken a look at Brock Nelson. May not go anywhere, though."

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It’s a bit interesting they’re looking at Nelson. The New York Islanders are certainly looking to trade him, but would general manager Garth Snow trade him within the division? Nelson will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season. And since he’s having a very disappointing season, it’s not a guarantee the Islanders will bring him back.

Nelson’s down season is a bit surprising. After all, entering this season, he was coming off three consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals. Nelson set a career high with 45 points in 2016-17. However, he has just 14 points this season, including merely nine goals, in 47 games.

With just five players with over 20 points so far, the Devils are looking to add some offense. Preferably some that would be cheap. It’s hard to see the Islanders asking much for Nelson, who has been the subject of various trade rumors. However, what could the Devils give the Islanders?

The Isles could use some defensive help, so John Moore or Steven Santini might make sense. But is that fair value? And would the Devils want to directly help the Islanders? A draft pick would make sense since New Jersey has a surplus of those.

Next: One Trade Each Metropolitan Division Team Should Make

It’s hard to see two division rivals, both fighting for a playoff spot, being willing to help the other team out. But hey, crazier things have happened. And the fit is there for both the Devils and Islanders.

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