Nelson, 33, is in final year of his deal and has a 16-team no trade list with the trade deadline looming on March 7. "I want what's best for me, family, team and everything," Nelson said.

Brock Nelson has developed into one of the greatest post-dynasty New York Islanders over his 12 seasons with the franchise. Only the legendary Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin, and Clark Gillies (all Hall of Famers) have scored more goals in their Islanders career than Nelson.

If he wants to stay with the club for the remainder of his career, what he gave on Tuesday was far from an overwhelming endorsement.

Friedman mentions the fear around Lamoriello among sources. The Islanders' veteran GM likes to keep transactions private until they are done and a Nelson trade would fall into that bucket. So there is a chance that Lamoriello is working on a Nelson trade and Friedman is not privy to that information. But given his history, that is not likely.

Islanders forward and top trade deadline candidate Brock Nelson remains interested in an extension with New York.