Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Target Brought to Tears as Deadline Rumors Grow Louder

The Maple Leafs have made it clear that a third-line center is the goal at this year's trade deadline and of all the players they are looking at, Brock Nelson might be the most highly-coveted.

However, the New York Islanders veteran has 20 goals and 43 points this season, which means the Leafs are going to have to pay a pretty penny to acquire his services.

Treliving has already made it clear that he does not want to give up Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, which means acquiring Nelson may prove to be impossible.

While the Leafs may not end up with him, there are various other teams around the league that would love procure Nelson's services.

The trade rumors involving the star have been growing louder and it seems like he is well-aware of the fact that he may just be on his way out for good.

Last night, the Islanders played the Winnipeg Jets in New York, and it was potentially Brock Nelson's final game in the city.

When interviewed after the game, the center was getting visibly emotional as the Islanders crowd cheered him on for what could be the last time.

The trade deadline is always a difficult time for players around the league, especially those who are rapped up in the rumor mill.

Brock Nelson is going through it and we cannot imagine the anxiety he must be facing right about now. He doesn't know which team he is going to and if he does stay in New York, he won't exactly know where he stands.

As a fan, you have to have empathy and tremendous respect for what these guys do and what they have to go through emotionally.

Only time will tell whether or not Nelson is the next victim of the NHL's busiest day of the entire year.