Brock Nelson eyes Minnesota Wild as possible homecoming in NHL free agency: Report | NHL News
Brock Nelson may be going back home. The veteran ice hockey player from Warroad, Minnesota is going to become an unrestricted free agent after the conclusion of the 2024–2025 NHL season. Nelson was on the Colorado Avalanche last season and now may be exploring new options. NHL insiders say he would like to play for the Minnesota Wild. So does the team. As free agency opens on July 1, both parties might look into the opportunity for Nelson to play among his hometown fans.
Brock Nelson wants to go home to Minnesota
Brock Nelson (33) concluded the 2024–2025 season with the Colorado Avalanche. He was the New York Islanders player released to Colorado near the NHL trade deadline in March 2025. In his brief stint with the Colorado team, Nelson scored six goals to go along with seven assists in 19 games.Before that, Nelson had an excellent career with the Islanders. He had 30+ goals for three straight seasons from 2021 to 2024. Brock Nelson has played a total of 920 NHL games in 12 seasons. He has 301 career goals and 587 points.According to Joe Smith of The Athletic on May 15, 2025, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin, in his end-of-season press address, stated that the team’s prime objective in free agency is to “acquire a solid center.” Brock Nelson might fit that bill. Smith added that Nelson is the kind of second-line center Minnesota requires to play behind Joel Eriksson Ek.
Nelson’s representative and sources indicate mutual interest
Michael Russo, another respected hockey journalist with The Athletic, stated in the same piece that Nelson and the Wild have mutual interest. He added that Nelson’s agent, Ben Hankinson, discussed this on Minnesota radio KFAN last week. During an appearance on air, Hankinson stated, “Brock would be interested in playing at home and he could envision a fit.”The ultimate choice is subject to a couple of things. Firstly, the Colorado Avalanche continue to have the first opportunity to extend Brock Nelson a new deal prior to July 1. Secondly, Nelson is going into his 34th year when the 2025–2026 campaign begins, meaning the term of the contract could be very significant.If he signs with the Wild, it would be coming home for Nelson, who developed as a hockey player in Warroad, Minnesota. For the time being, fans will simply have to wait until the NHL free agency period to find out where he ends up.Also Read: Brock Nelson Trade Rumors Spark Major Shake-Up For Islanders
