Brock Nelson Signs 3-Year Contract with New York Islanders

The Brock Nelson saga came down to the wire. On the even of camp -- and just before a team-imposed deadline that would have him miss the season -- the team announced late Wednesday that the restricted free agent has signed three-year contract. Arthur Staple of Newsday reported earlier in the evening that it is a $7 million dollar deal. He is expected to report to camp immediately.

Nelson's deal with #Isles is actually 3 years, $7.5 million. My bad. Breaks down like this: 2015-16: $1.5m, 2016-17: $2.5m, 2017-18: $3.5m.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) September 17, 2015

The Islanders had a deadline of Sept. 18 to get a deal done.  Fans were starting to get nervous that a very important piece of the 2014-2015 season would not be there for 2015-2016. With major additions like Brandon Saad to the Blue Jackets, Phil Kessel to the Penguins, and Jason Williams to the Capitals, the Islanders certainly need to be running at full strength.

The move helps cement the team's depth at center, perhaps the most important position required for a deep playoff run.  With Nelson, John Tavares, Frans Nielsen, Casey Cizikas, Mikail Grabovski, and Ryan Strome all capable centers and Anders Lee and Josh Bailey as depth at the position, the team looks ready to go.

Now it's time to see if the roster is cemented or if more depth at other positions will be added.