Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brock Nelson

How Brock Nelson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Brock Nelson is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. Drafted 30th overall by the New York Islanders in 2010, Nelson previously played college hockey at the University of North Dakota. He began his professional career in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Nelson then spent eleven seasons with the New York Islanders before being traded to the Avalanche.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Drafted by the New York Islanders

In 2010, Brock Nelson was drafted 30th overall in the first round of the NHL entry draft by the New York Islanders.

2010: Selected in the NHL Entry Draft

In 2010, Brock Nelson was selected 30th overall by the New York Islanders in the NHL entry draft.

2011: Won Bronze Medal at World Junior Championships

In 2011, Brock Nelson helped the Americans to a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships, recording one assist in 5 games.

April 3, 2012: Signed with the New York Islanders

On April 3, 2012, Brock Nelson ended his collegiate career by signing an Entry Level Contract with the New York Islanders.

2012: Began Professional Career

After the 2011-12 season, Brock Nelson began his professional career with the Islanders' minor league affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, during the 2012 Calder Cup playoffs.

October 8, 2013: Registered First NHL Point

On October 8, 2013, Brock Nelson registered his first NHL point, an assist on a goal by Peter Regin, in a 6–1 win against the Phoenix Coyotes.

October 22, 2013: Scored First NHL Goal

On October 22, 2013, Brock Nelson scored his first NHL goal against Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks.

2017: Alternate Captain for Team USA

In 2017, Brock Nelson was selected as an alternate captain for Team USA in the IIHF World Championship.

2018: Career year with 53 points

In the 2018-19 season, Brock Nelson had a career year with 53 points.

May 23, 2019: Signed Six-Year Contract with Islanders

On May 23, 2019, after a career year in the 2018–19 season, Brock Nelson signed a six-year, $36 million contract to remain with the Islanders.

April 5, 2021: Named Alternate Captain of Islanders

On April 5, 2021, Brock Nelson was named alternate captain of the Islanders in the absence of the injured Anders Lee.

November 4, 2021: Scored Career-High Four Goals

On November 4, 2021, Brock Nelson scored a career-high four goals in a 6-2 win against the Montreal Canadiens.

2024: Contributed to the Islanders

In the 2024–25 season, Brock Nelson posted 20 goals and 43 points through 61 regular season games for the Islanders.

March 6, 2025: Traded to the Colorado Avalanche

On March 6, 2025, Brock Nelson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche along with William Dufour in exchange for Calum Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, a conditional first and third-round picks, ending his 13-year tenure with the Islanders.