DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche have bolstered their roster depth at the center position by finalizing a new three-year contract extension with Brock Nelson.
According to a source familiar with the agreement, the deal is valued at a total of $22.5 million. This information was shared anonymously as the official financial terms were not publicly disclosed.
This extension ensures the 33-year-old Nelson remains with the Avalanche organization through the conclusion of the 2027-28 NHL season. His annual salary cap hit under the new terms will be $7.5 million. Colorado initially acquired Nelson from the New York Islanders via trade on March 6.
Following his arrival in Colorado, Nelson participated in 19 regular-season games, recording six goals and seven assists. In the team`s first-round playoff series loss to Dallas, he contributed four assists.
Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland commented on the signing, stating, “He’s been a great centre in this league for a long time, and he brings professionalism and a dedicated work ethic on and off the ice.” MacFarland emphasized Nelson`s suitability for the team, noting, “We think he’s a great fit and is a stabilizing presence to our second-line centre role with his size and ability to touch all areas of the ice. We’re excited to see what his contributions will be over a larger sample size with the Avalanche.”
Nelson boasts a career total of 587 points, consisting of 301 goals and 286 assists, accumulated over 920 regular-season games since being drafted by the Islanders in the first round in 2010. Before joining the Islanders, he played collegiately at North Dakota.
The Avalanche`s center lineup is anchored by Nathan MacKinnon on the top line. Nelson`s extension solidifies his role as the team`s second-line center, positioning him ahead of third-line center Charlie Coyle.
Nelson has also demonstrated significant durability throughout his career, having played in 246 consecutive regular-season games.
Reflecting on the move, Nelson shared, “Having spent my entire career with one organization, we weren’t totally sure what to expect when we arrived in Denver.” He added that the experience of playing for the Avalanche, his teammates, and the fans at Ball Arena made it clear that “this was where we wanted to stay.” Nelson was acquired from the Islanders in exchange for Calum Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, a first-round pick in either the 2026 or 2027 NHL draft, and a conditional third-round pick in 2028.
The annual value of Nelson`s new contract, at $7.5 million, could potentially influence the market for other impending unrestricted free-agent forwards, including players like Toronto`s John Tavares and Dallas` Matt Duchene.
SIGNING DETAILS:
Player: Brock Nelson
Signed By: Colorado Avalanche
Length: 3 years
Contract Type: Contract Extension
Salary Cap Hit: $7.5 million
Total Value: $22.5 million
Tristan Blackwood