Hockey Journalist Has Islanders Assistant Captain Linked To The Leafs Via Possible Trade

NHL journalist Steve Simmons has linked star player and Islanders assistant captain Brock Nelson to the Leafs in what could be a possible trade.

Steve Simmons of 'The Toronto Sun' thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs need impactful players if they want to make any serious playoff run, and he thinks that player should be Brock Nelson.

At 6-foot-4 with "mammoth hands" and 12 seasons of experience in the NHL, Brock Nelson has the size, the skill, and the veteran presence that Steve Simmons says the Leafs have been lacking.

The 33-year-old center has proved his post-season worth, scoring 27 times in 78 playoff games. In Simmons' mind, Nelson might provide the Leafs with that depth-of-center physicality and depth they have so often lacked in deep playoff runs.

To Simmons, Nelson would be the perfect addition to strengthen Toronto's depth at center, sliding in behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares.

Carrying a cap hit of $6 million and bound for unrestricted free agency this summer, Nelson would likely become available if the New York Islanders decide to enter rebuild mode amidst recent struggles.

But it wouldn't come at a small price. Insiders speculate the cost would include one first-round pick, and perhaps one with either Nick Robertson or a prospect like Dennis Hildeby attached in tandem.

While Simmons does mention some more readily available options such as Yanni Gourde and Scott Laughton, he reinforces that in playoff experience and two-way gameplay, Nelson stands alone.

Nelson would bring a modicum of stability down the middle as a reliable third-line center, something the Leafs have struggled to address in a few years.

Simmons could see him with linemates like Max Domi or Bobby McMann, bringing some jam and depth necessary for teams in the postseason.

As Simmons himself puts it, the Maple Leafs need what Nelson brings, thus encouraging the team to seize any opportunity to acquire the Islanders' veteran.

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