The Avalanche rallied to earn a point on the road in Ottawa on Thursday night, coming back from two goals down to unfortunately lose in overtime. Although the team was defeated, the moral victory was the fortitude of the comeback, which will sting members of Avalanche Nation more than it should, as during the game, the team's top stars, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, both left with lower-body injuries.
Although a potentially consequential blow to the team a quarter of the way through the season, the initial prognosis for both players is murky – as hockey coaches seem to like it. The Avalanche, luckily, have proven skill in their depth that will be able to help navigate and keep the wreckage afloat until their stars return.
One of those depth players that is building momentum is third-line center Brock Nelson. Acquired from the New York Islanders at the trade deadline in 2024-25, Nelson was re-signed after that season to a three-year contract and rewarded the Avalanche for their trust by putting up 65 points last season while playing 81 games. Of those 65 points, Nelson potted 33 goals.
Relegated to a third-line role this season, as Nazem Kadri has taken over the pivot for the second line, Nelson has accumulated 12 points through 20 games thus far. If MacKinnon must miss time, it’s likely Nelson will move to the second line, while Kadri centers the first unit. Nelson averages 17:33 ice time this season, more than two minutes per game less than last season and still averages over half a point per game. With increased minutes, likely a similar amount to last year’s 19 minutes plus per game, it’s very likely his numbers will also significantly increase. As a 30-goal scorer playing mostly second-line minutes last season, Nelson has shown the recent ability to light up the scoreboard.
Avalanche don't need to panic thanks to Brock Nelson
Normal teams would be nail-biting, trying to figure out how they will attempt to replace one of the best players in the world, but the Avalanche have centers in bunches that can help offset the loss of a star like MacKinnon, as obviously a player of his caliber cannot just be replaced.
Nelson’s heating up of late as well, notching points in three of his last four games. His linemates have 13 and nine points, respectively, and it’s clear that he’s got the ability to make his teammates better, even in a limited third-line role, typically reserved for checking, grinding-type players.
Nelson’s past numbers back up the prediction that he’ll play well while the stars are out of the lineup. He’s played over 1,000 NHL games in his career. He’s nearing 350 career goals in the league. He averages 27 goals a season over his career, with ten seasons over 20 goals. Nelson has plenty of ability - even at 35 years old.
The hope is obviously that MacKinnon and Makar have minor injuries and won’t miss much, if any, time. The likelihood of that in today’s NHL is not as simple, however, as NHL teams require depth at all positions, importantly, center, as the role continues to maintain its importance across all 200 feet of the ice surface.
The Avalanche are one of the lucky few with depth at key positions, and players like Brock Nelson allow Avalanche Nation to not have to go into full-on panic mode if MacKinnon and Makar are out. The team and its fan base are in a good place.
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