Islanders Jets Failed Trade Details Leaked by Insider

The New York Islanders’ deadline deal sending Brock Nelson to Colorado looks even better now, with news that they had another golden opportunity waiting in the wings.

The Isles landed prospect Calum Ritchie, defenseman Oliver Kylington, and two draft picks (a 2026 first-rounder and 2028 third) from the Avalanche. But they could’ve scored big with the Winnipeg Jets too.

Marco D’Amico of Responsible Gaming reports the Jets were ready to open their prospect vault, offering one of Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, or Colby Barlow, plus draft picks.

Here’s the catch: Nelson wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause to head north of the border.

The Jets’ offer was pretty impressive. Yager, their 14th overall pick in 2023, has been tearing up the WHL with 82 points in just 54 games this season. He added another 14 points in 16 playoff games.

Lambert’s an interesting case. He’s got amazing skill but his numbers took a hit this year – 35 points in 61 AHL games, down from 55 points last season. Size is still a question mark for the young forward.

Then there’s Barlow. He’s been solid in the OHL with 32 goals and 61 points in 62 games this year. While that’s a slight dip from his previous seasons, he’s shown he can handle the physical side of the game.

The Islanders aren’t complaining though. Ritchie, who they got from Colorado, has already gotten his feet wet in the NHL, scoring his first goal in seven games before heading back to dominate the OHL.

In fact, Ritchie’s been on fire since returning to the Oshawa Generals, putting up 70 points in 47 regular-season games and adding another 25 points in 21 playoff games. He’s been their go-to center during their run to the OHL Championship.

While both deals would’ve worked out well for New York, they’ve got to be happy with how things played out. Sometimes the best trades are the ones where everyone gets what they want – even if there was another tempting option on the table.