The Colorado Avalanche and free agent center Brock Nelson could be working toward a contract extension, NHL insider David Pagnotta reported.
Pagnotta posted an update on X, claiming that there is "mutual interest" in hammering out a new contract for the 33-year-old center that would keep in Colorado for the foreseeable future.
Pagnotta stated:
"There appears to be mutual interest from both the Avalanche and Brock Nelson in exploring a new contract. How that may look is too early to tell, but Nelson is open to that possibility, and talks between the Avs & his agent are expected to pick up in June."
Nelson was acquired from the New York Islanders at the trade deadline this year. The Colorado Avalanche utilized Nelson predominantly as the 2C behind all-world pivot Nathan MacKinnon.
In 19 regular-season contests, Nelson racked up six goals and 13 points to go with a plus-6 rating. He showed good chemistry with Martin Necas and Valeri Nichushkin.
It’s worth pointing out that Pagnotta did not report on how much a potential extension could be worth or for how long. Nelson reportedly turned down a three-year extension from the New York Islanders. While dollar figures were not reported, the major sticking point was term. Nelson wanted a longer-term deal than the Islanders were willing to offer.
So, the situation forced the Isles to move Nelson at the deadline.
Critics have pointed out Nelson’s lack of playoff production. He chipped in four assists in the Colorado Avalanche’s seven-game opening-round series against the Dallas Stars.
The Avalanche hope that with a full season under his belt, Nelson can live up to expectations in next year’s playoffs.
Looking at how much Brock Nelson’s extension could be worth with Colorado Avalanche
So, let me break out my crystal ball for a moment.
Judging from reports that Nelson turned down a three-year deal in Long Island, my spider senses tell me that Nelson could be looking for something in the neighborhood of a four to five-year deal.
Given his age, a six or even seven-year deal would be pushing his luck. So, a four or five-year contract could make sense. A five-year pact would take Nelson up to about age 38. While many players are still productive at that age, there’s no telling if injuries or declining production will play a role.
As for dollar terms, Nelson is coming off a deal with a $6 million AAV. I would assume that’s what Nelson would cost at this point. A contract between $5 or $6 million AAV could get the deal done.
If we go by those numbers, Brock Nelson could sign a four-year deal worth about $25 million or a five-year deal worth about $26 or $27 million.
Again, these figures are like scribbling numbers on the back of a cocktail napkin. But they seem like something that a solid NHL 2C would be looking to get in today’s market.