DALLAS – Among the collective sighs of relief this week for the Islanders – defenseman Johnny Boychuk clearing in-game concussion protocol and returning to the ice, defenseman Thomas Hickey being able to skate three days after appearing to slam his head into the boards – was Brock Nelson missing but a period after taking a knee to his thigh.
Because, right now, Nelson is as valuable to the Islanders as he’s been since joining the team for the playoffs in 2013, proving to new coach Barry Trotz he’s worthy of being the team’s No. 1 center, replacing former captain John Tavares on a line with new captain Anders Lee.