NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs columnist Steve Simmons deems $36,000,000 Islanders star as 'perfect fit' for team's center need

Toronto Maple Leafs columnist Steve Simmons thinks Brock Nelson could fill the team’s need for a strong center. Nelson, a 12-year veteran with the New York Islanders, is rumored to be a trade target as the March 7 deadline nears.

"The Maple Leafs need what Nelson is, or certainly someone like him," Simmons wrote for the Toronto Sun on Wednesday. "A second- or third-line center in whatever playoff format for their roster they come up with... A 6-foot-4 presence up the middle, a one-team veteran of 12 NHL seasons — and that means something — and a scorer of 27 post-season goals in 78 games."

Nelson is in the fifth year of his six-year contract, which has a $6 million annual cap hit. This season, he has recorded 10 goals and 11 assists in 38 games. While his numbers are lower in comparison to the last two years, his playoff history is impressive. He has scored 27 goals in 78 postseason games, showing he can perform in high-pressure situations.

Simmons described Nelson as a strong presence, noting his size and physical style. At 6-foot-4, he could provide depth as a third-line center behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares.

The Maple Leafs are looking to strengthen their lineup, especially with Matthews recovering from injury. Adding Nelson could give them a reliable option for the playoffs. For now, Nelson is focused on helping the Islanders, but his future could shift as the trade deadline gets closer.

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Trade to Maple Leafs might be uncertain due to Brock Nelson's commitment

Brock Nelson recently played his 879th NHL game, placing him fifth on the Islanders’ all-time games list. At 33, he is focused on improving his performance and helping the team. Despite trade rumors, Nelson chooses to focus on his game rather than outside distractions.

“Your play and contract is correlated,” Nelson said, per Newsday.com, “But, at the same time, it’s separate and you learn to focus on your play. For me, I’m just trying to find my game, raise it, get on a roll. Anything beyond that, outside of playing, is just something that is not really worth the time or the energy to really think about."

Nelson admits "It’s been a month" since his last goal and knows he needs to be better. He aims to become a dependable offensive player to help the Islanders succeed.