The Colorado Avalanche made a big splash on the eve of the NHL trade deadline by getting center Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders.

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.

The Avalanche's Brock Nelson trade was positioned by one analyst as a consolation prize for not landing the Penguins' Sidney Crosby.

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

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 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.

The Avalanche host the Maple Leafs after each team made big moves at the trade deadline, including Toronto acquiring Scott Laughton.

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.

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

Just before midnight on the eve of NHL trade deadline day, Chris MacFarland bolstered the Colorado Avalanche for a long playoff run by getting center Brock Nelson.