You knew it the moment that Brock Nelson gave that emotional interview after a win recently: he was going to be traded by the only NHL franchise he's called home in his terrific career.

Enter Nelson, the best center on the market. He is an elite second-line center whose effectiveness sometimes goes under the radar. Nelson’s all-situation scoring rate has dipped this season, but that is likely a consequence of the Islanders’ disastrous power play.

The head vs. heart calculus which has tugged at the Islanders’ decision-making, or lack thereof, over the last month finally hit an inflection point.

Nelson will be the shooting threat on an Avs power play stocked with creators but the Avs will also love his ability to score at even strength. The Minnesota native ranks 10th in the NHL in 5v5 goals over the past four seasons.

The NHL trade deadline is only a week away, and there will be plenty of activity between now and then. In the days leading up to March 7, some marquee names will be in the news as teams try to load up for the postseason.

The Avalanche sent top prospect Calum Ritchie to the Islanders in the deal, as well as a future first-round pick.

The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and the deals should pick up over the next few days. One of the biggest players on the market is veteran center Brock Nelson, who could be moved with the New York Islanders fading out of the playoff race.

Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist and the New York Islanders took down the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets 3-2 on Tuesday night.

The Avalanche and Islanders receive their grades after completing the Brock Nelson trade late on Thursday night.