Playing it close to the vest fits how Nelson has acted throughout his NHL career. He is a ready and willing interview during the season but his words always seem to come with a detached sense of analysis, as if he’s separating his emotions from his public persona.

The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and the deals should pick up over the next few days. One of the biggest players on the market is veteran center Brock Nelson, who could be moved with the New York Islanders fading out of the playoff race.

Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist and the New York Islanders took down the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets 3-2 on Tuesday night.