DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche shored up their depth at center Wednesday by bringing back Brock Nelson on a three-year deal. It is worth $22.5 million, a person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because financial terms were not announced.

The Avalanche acquired Nelson on March 6th in a trade with the New York Islanders in exchange for forward prospect Calum Richie, defenseman Oliver Kylington, a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft (which was not met).

The former Islanders center agreed to a three-year extension, the Avalanche announced on Wednesday. The deal carries an annual average value of $7.5 million. Newsday reported in March that former president/general manager Lou Lamoriello offered Nelson a three-year, $22.5 million deal as the Islanders’ last, best offer.