History of Brock Nelson in Timeline

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

1956: Great Uncle's Olympic Silver

In 1956, Brock Nelson's great uncle, Gordon Christian, played for the United States at the Winter Olympics, capturing a silver medal.

1960: Grandfather's Olympic Gold

In 1960, Brock Nelson's grandfather, Bill Christian, and great uncle, Roger Christian, were both on the United States gold medal team.

1964: Christian Brothers Founded

From 1964 to 2003, Brock Nelson's grandfather Bill Christian and great uncle Roger Christian founded Christian Brothers, a company that made ice hockey sticks in Warroad, Minnesota.

1980: Uncle's Miracle on Ice

In 1980, Brock Nelson's uncle, Dave Christian, was on the United States Miracle on Ice gold medal team.

October 15, 1991: Brock Nelson's Birth

On October 15, 1991, Brock Christian Nelson was born. He is an American professional ice hockey player.

Others born on this day/year

2003: Christian Brothers Closed

From 1964 to 2003, Brock Nelson's grandfather Bill Christian and great uncle Roger Christian founded Christian Brothers, a company that made ice hockey sticks in Warroad, Minnesota.

September 24, 2009: Committed to University of North Dakota

On September 24, 2009, Brock Nelson committed to play college ice hockey for the University of North Dakota, choosing them over Bemidji State and Nebraska Omaha.

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: Season start

Brock Nelson started the 2011 season in the American Hockey League.

2011: Played on a line with Corban Knight and Danny Kristo.

During his sophomore year in 2011, Nelson played on a line with Corban Knight and Danny Kristo

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.

October 9, 2017: Cross-Checked by Robert Bortuzzo

On October 9, 2017, St. Louis Blues player Robert Bortuzzo cross-checked Brock Nelson multiple times, resulting in Bortuzzo being fined $3,091.40.

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.

November 23, 2021: Injury Announcement

On November 23, 2021, it was announced that Brock Nelson would be out for 2–4 weeks due to a lower body injury.

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.