EAST MEADOW, NY — Brock Nelson is not all too concerned about the potential contract negotiations that lay before him as he enters the final year of his deal with the New York Islanders this season.
The 32-year-old center is entering his 12th NHL season, all with the Islanders, and his value has never been higher. He has led New York in goal-scoring in each of the last three seasons, posting 37, 36, and 34 tallies during that span.
Another big year centering the Islanders’ second line will only help the figures of his next deal, whether it comes from his long-time team or not. However, it has not impacted his mindset all that much heading into the new season.
“I’ve been here a couple of times, and I think preparation, mindset all stays the same, and it’s an ongoing process of just trying to fine-tune your game,” Nelson said on Wednesday. “Be ready to go when the season comes, be a big part of the team, contribute, raise the bar, and keep pushing. Try to make yourself and everyone else better and push the team.”
Contract negotiations are understandably kept especially under wraps regarding Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello, so knowledge of progress (or lack thereof) on a new deal would be at a premium.
But while some organizations or players often mandate that talks will not take place during the season so as to not provide a distraction, Nelson appears ready to approach the negotiating table whenever he is called upon.
“I’m indifferent,” Nelson said. “I mean, I know that’s the backside of it, but at the same time, right now, it’s about coming in here, working, playing, having fun, and worrying about your game. So all of that will sort itself out. I’m pretty comfortable with Lou and have a great relationship with him to sort things out and see how they play out.
“So for me, there’s not a whole lot of thought that goes into it… and then I get to go home and be with the kids and not think about the game, which is great.”
