Career
Nelson was drafted 30th overall in the first round of the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Islanders. Prior to playing professional hockey, Nelson played at the University of North Dakota. His first experience in professional hockey was at the American Hockey League (AHL) level with the Islanders" affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Nelson initially played for the University of North Dakota of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I) and Warroad High School (United States High School-Minnesota).
He was a finalist for the Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award, given to the top Minnesota high school hockey player.
He finished the 2009-2010 season with 39 goals and 34 assists for 73 points in 25 games for Warroad. Nelson was selected 30th overall by the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (National Hockey League) in the 2010 Entry Draft.
His first National Hockey League goal was scored on October 22, 2013 against Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks.
Nelson plays internationally for the United States. At the 2011 World Junior Championships, Nelson helped the Americans to a bronze medal, recording one assist in 5 games.
