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 center for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. Drafted 30th overall by the New York Islanders in 2010, he honed his skills at the University of North Dakota before turning professional. He began his pro career in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Nelson spent eleven seasons with the Islanders, becoming a key player, before being traded to the Avalanche.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

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, during 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.

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

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.

March 6, 2025: Traded to 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, and draft picks, ending his 13-year tenure with the Islanders.

June 4, 2025: Signed Contract Extension with Avalanche

On June 4, 2025, Brock Nelson signed a 3-year, $22.5 million contract extension to remain with the Avalanche.

November 29, 2025: Scored 600th Career Point

On November 29, 2025, Brock Nelson scored the 600th point of his career during a game against the Montreal Canadiens, scoring on Jakub Dobeš.

January 2, 2026: Named to Team USA's Olympic Roster

On January 2, 2026, Brock Nelson was named to Team USA's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

January 25, 2026: Recorded First Hat-Trick with Avalanche

On January 25, 2026, Brock Nelson recorded his first hat-trick with the Avalanche during a 4–1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

February 12, 2026: Scored Two Goals in Olympic Game

On February 12, 2026, Brock Nelson scored two goals, including the game winner, in a 5-1 win against Latvia. He had another goal and assist wiped out by coach’s challenges.