Russell’s Roundup: Nelson Chatter Everywhere; Eiserman’s Goal

With the Four Nation’s Face-Off kicking off this week, one might expect news and rumors to die down, at least for the start of the tournament. Instead, rumors are churning fast as teams plan for the March 7 trade deadline. Count the New York Islanders among those teams as a looming decision with Brock Nelson dominated the headlines Monday.

From all corners of the hockey world, it’s widely reported that the Islanders are trying to extend Nelson. If they can’t, he will be traded away to the highest bidder. Elsewhere, the Beanpot concluded in Boston, and Islanders prospect Cole Eiserman had a highlight reel goal in Boston University’s rousing victory.

Finally, to the place Nelson actually was on Monday, Montreal, Quebec. Nelson practiced with Team USA for the first team and slotted in on the fourth line on the left wing. Vincent Trocheck is his center, while on the right side, Dylan Larkin and Chris Kreider rotated. Kreider seemed set to become the healthy scratch to start the tournament.

New York Islanders:

First, before all the Nelson talk turned to an even higher level, we set the table for the two-week break in Islanders’ games. There’s plenty of potential turnover that does not necessarily involve Nelson himself. Here’s what’s facing the Islanders in the next couple of weeks.

Everyone in hockey media seemingly gave their two cents on Brock Nelson on Monday. It seems the entire hockey world is waiting for Brock Nelson’s decision and how everything goes from there.

Meanwhile, the night ended with a keen eye for the future. Kamil Bednarik and Cole Eiserman helped BU win the Beanpot. Eiserman scored a must-see goal that put the game on ice.

Lastly, in case you missed it this weekend, Pierre LeBrun gave an update on Mathew Barzal, stating he underwent surgery to fix a kneecap injury, and the timeline is a minimum of six weeks. Since the Islanders confirmed it, we wrote it up here.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts: The Podcast came out on Monday morning. Friedman named names, specifically saying Jake Evans and Vladimir Tarasenko are expected to be dealt during the break. He also talked about Nelson toward the end of the podcast.

Another notable podcast dropped, with SDPN’s The Chris Johnston Show released. Johnston talked up the Four Nations Face-Off and fresh trade rumors, including his take on Brock Nelson.

New Jersey Hockey Now: More from Montreal. Jack Hughes’ linemates for the USA were revealed. Let me tell you, it’s a dream line and perhaps the best in the tournament.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: One day after terminating his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jesse Puljujarvi has a new opportunity. He inked a PTO with the Charlotte Checkers.

MORE PHN: The Great Dan Kingerski sat down behind his orb and saw the future for Pittsburgh. He makes his official forecast for the rest of the season for the Penguins.

Detroit Hockey Now: Ahead of the tournament, Henrik Zetterberg talked about Sweden and why he thinks they’ll do well. Then, he went on to mention his sympathy for Russian athletes who are unable to compete.

Montreal Hockey Now: Make no mistake, the Jake Evans trade is coming. Marc Dumont sets the table for it here.