Brock Nelson was always going to be the best rental center option on the market if the New York Islanders committed to trading him. The decision to move the 33-year-old was made Thursday afternoon, and before the night was over,

The Colorado Avalanche made a big splash on the eve of the NHL trade deadline late Thursday night by getting center Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. The move came hours after the Western Conference rival Vegas Golden Knights reacquired winger Reilly Smith in a deal with the New York Rangers.

The Avalanche have acquired Brock Nelson of the Islanders, the most coveted center available ahead of Friday's NHL trade deadline.