Rumor: Former first round pick surprisingly hits the trading block.

There is a huge surprise on the trade market. 

As many fans of the National Hockey League already know, there is a belief that the New York Islanders are currently doing everything in their power to retain Islanders captain John Tavares past this current season. With that in mind, the latest trade rumor around the Islanders is rather unexpected. 

According to a report from Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, there are currently rumors that the Islanders may be considering a trade of one of their top forwards, center Brock Nelson.

From Friedman:

A name starting to creep out there: Brock Nelson. With Johnny Boychuk and Calvin de Haan out, the Islanders need help on the blue line. There will be interest. He’s a good player, slotted behind John Tavares and Mathew Barzal. I’m not even sure he’d be available if the Islanders weren’t in a “missing the playoffs is not an option” stage, although he is one year from unrestricted free agency. I’m told Nelson is very hard on himself, which can affect anyone, but I’ll always take that over someone who doesn’t care enough.

Nelson was the Islanders first round pick at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and has been a staple of their line up every since, seeing him traded while the team attempts to get Tavares to remain would be a massively unexpected move. That being said however if the Islanders can acquire a solid piece on the blue line in exchange for Nelson that could appeal to their captain.

One thing is certain, considering how many teams have been trying to add depth at center, there will be no shortage of general managers inquiring about the cost to acquire a player like Nelson. He has 9 goals and 5 assists for 14 points through 43 games with the Islanders this season.