The Washington Capitals had a choice to make after they were swept out of the first round by the New York Rangers.

The best fit for Brock Nelson is the Minnesota Wild. While the Islanders won't be able to get a 2025 first-round pick in the deal, they could pull away a defensive prospect that would help them. The Wild would get better by making this deal, could re-sign him this offseason, and sell the “hometown kid” aspect of the deal.

Brock Nelson just spent 10 days participating in “some of the most intense, high-packed energy and clean hockey” of his career playing for runner-up Team USA in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. “An incredible experience, something I’ll forever remember,” Nelson said.

Nelson, however, holds a 16-team no-trade clause and could block deals to half the franchises across the NHL. That hasn't deterred prospective suitors from inquiring about him, with interest in Nelson significant as various teams have already been linked to the veteran.

Seth Jones has already said he's open to waiving his no-movement clause to be traded to a contender, according to a report in The Athletic on Friday. The Blackhawks defenseman has four years remaining on a contract that carries a $9.5 million AAV.