Brock Nelson, C
Shoots: L	Height: 6-4	Weight: 192
Born: 1991-10-05	Hometown: Minneapolis, MN	Drafted: 2010 by New York Islanders, 30th Overall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observations:

 

November 2014 – Nelson has exploded out of the gate this season and is currently tied for the team points lead (12 points in 11 games) with John Tavares and leads all Isles with six goals. Nelson has found himself on JT’s wing once more. Brad Wilson

 

September 2014 – It is sounding more and more like Nelson will start the year as the Isles second line center between the Grabovsky and Kulemin duo. He has been lights out on the dot and we could be watching another step forward for the young Isles stud. Brad Wilson

 

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September 2014 – Nelson will be looking to land a spot beside Tavares again this season but will be in tough competition with fellow young stars Strome and Lee. While Strome may start the season in the AHL, Lee is a very big threat to take the spot away from Nelson. In exhibition against the Devils Nelson scored the winner in a shoot-out and played center during the match. He was most effective in his own end winning five of seven draws (71%) and going 11-15 (73%) overall. Nelson was the busiest Islander in the circle. The center ice position is over-crowded and a trade is almost certain. Could Nelson be on the way out? Brad Wilson

 

June 2014 – Nelson ended the World Championships with seven points including five goals in eight games for the USA. The team failed to medal being eliminated in the semi-finals. Brad Wilson

 

May 2014 – Nelson will join Team USA for the World Championships. It will be the second time he represents his country and the first since the 2010-11 WJC. Brad Wilson

 

May 2014 – Nelson was named the Islanders rookie of the year for the 2013-14 season. He debuted on the second line at left wing and went on to play a variety of roles as the Isles struggled this season. Nelson would finish with 26 points in 72 games and was a minus-10. Brad Wilson

 

February 2014 – Nelson stumbled slightly in his debut as the Isles top center. It wasn’t his minus-1 on the night, or his five shots taken but only one on target. It was his 23.5% win percentage in the faceoff circle. Four wins in 17 chances may make Nelson more attractive on the wing where he has spent most of the season. Unfortunately the Isles have few options in that area with their top two pivots injured. Brad Wilson

 

 

February 2014 – Nelson was on the first line between Vanek and Okposo at practice as the Isles get set to host the Maple Leafs in their first game post-Olympics. With Neilson on the mend he will go nearly uncontested for the top pivot position. Brad Wilson

 

February 2014 – Nelson is about to get his best shot to show his goods. Unfortunately it comes at the expense of John Tavares. With the Isles captain gone for the year with an mcl tear, Nelson will get a shot at the second line center role and likely even the first line slot. He has oodles of talent and this is just what he needs going down the stretch. It is still unclear if Brock will start on the first line against the Leafs on the 27th but at this point Neilson is on the mend leaving the door wide open for the rookie. Stay tuned. Brad Wilson

 

January 2014 – Nelson has become a fixture in the Islanders lineup in his rookie season. After cracking the NHL squad out of camp, Nelson has scored five goals and 12 points in 36 games while skating along side Tavares at times. Nelson’s development appears to be on track. Brad Wilson

 

November 2013 – After one goal and three assists in his first 11 games, Nelson has now put up two goals and one assist in the four games since joining the Tavares line. The rookie’s future continues to look bright. Brad Wilson

 

November 2013 – With the injury to Vanek, Nelson has been given a shot on the first line with Tavares. Thus far results have been minimal, however it could take a few games to see if there is any real chemistry there. Brad Wilson

 

October 2013 – Nelson was able to beat out Strome for the final roster spot on the Isles 23-man list. With a year under his belt in the AHL and an impressive preseason in his back-pocket, Nelson will fill the void left by the Cal Clutterbuck injury. He will do everything in his power to make it a hard decision for the Isles to send him down to the AHL when Clutterbuck returns. Brad Wilson

 

September 2013 – Nelson has been moved to the veteran practice roster and switched to LW. With Clutterbuck set to miss an undisclosed amount of time with a skate laceration, Nelson will be given the chance to crack the Islanders line-up on the wing. He played wing prior to joining the Sound Tigers and the switch isn’t expected to hinder his ability. Look for Nelson to be a full-time Islander on October 1st, at least until Clutterbuck returns. Brad Wilson

 

September 2013 – Nelson is a big, strong center with a nose for the net who led the Sound Tigers in scoring as a rookie last season. He has a nose for the net and his skill has impressed in Islanders camp thus far. The 21-year-old’s 52-points in 66-games earned him an NHL audition in last year’s playoffs versus the Pittsburgh Penguins and he will push hard for a spot on the Islanders opening night roster. Entering the second year of a three year entry level contract, there is no rush for Nelson to crack the big club this season but his increased size (20 lbs heavier than his draft weight) and strength will definitely help him make the jump sooner than later. Brad Wilson

April 2012- Signed three-year contract with the New York islanders and was assigned to Bridgeport (AHL). Rich Dillon

 

February 2012 – A member of the famous Christian hockey family, Nelson is making a name for himself as a sophomore at the University of North Dakota.  Following up a 21-point freshman campaign, Nelson has far exceeded that total this year, with 32 points thus far.  He plays a solid, all-around game and has shown improvement in all areas in 2011-12. Rich Dillon

 

Fantasy Outlook: B

 

Nelson has found a home with the big club as a left winger. Its not all smooth sailing though as he continues to battle for a regular spot in the lineup. So far he looks to project as a top six player but faces a log-jam of talented Islander forwards, all battling for the same position.

 

Footage:

 

2012-13 Highlights:

 

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Brock Nelson feature:

 

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