The New York Islanders are back from the international break with big decisions to make. They are five points back of the final playoff spot with two games in hand over the Detroit Red Wings. But they have multiple pending free agents that they could move at the March 7 trade deadline.

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.

The New York Islanders enter the NHL trade deadline with a lot of questions to answer. They have pending free agents and sit outside of a playoff spot. But the Eastern Conference is weak and one key piece could catapult them up the standings.

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.

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.

Since New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal went down with a left knee-cap injury on Feb. 1, we have not been able to talk to him.