Former New York Islanders All-Star Brock Nelson will return to Long Island on Thursday night for the first time since being traded to the Colorado Avalanche at last season’s deadline, marking what is expected to be an emotional homecoming for one of the most productive players of the Islanders’ modern era.
Nelson, 34, will come back to UBS Arena after spending 12 seasons with the Islanders, who selected him in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft. By the time he left the organization, he had appeared in more than 900 games, recorded 295 goals — fifth-most in team history — and produced 574 points.