The Washington Capitals had a choice to make after they were swept out of the first round by the New York Rangers.

The best fit for Brock Nelson is the Minnesota Wild. While the Islanders won't be able to get a 2025 first-round pick in the deal, they could pull away a defensive prospect that would help them. The Wild would get better by making this deal, could re-sign him this offseason, and sell the “hometown kid” aspect of the deal.

Brock Nelson just spent 10 days participating in “some of the most intense, high-packed energy and clean hockey” of his career playing for runner-up Team USA in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. “An incredible experience, something I’ll forever remember,” Nelson said.

More reports about New York Islanders center Brock Nelson and Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton came out in the past few days.

Nelson, however, holds a 16-team no-trade clause and could block deals to half the franchises across the NHL. That hasn't deterred prospective suitors from inquiring about him, with interest in Nelson significant as various teams have already been linked to the veteran.

The New York Islanders’ only representative at the 4 Nations Face-Off was Brock Nelson. He didn’t do much for the runner-up United States roster aside from playing a forechecking role on the fourth line,