[8] He recorded a goal off an assist from Joe Gleason to help lead the Fighting Sioux to the WCHA Final Five.

[9] Nelson ended the season with the Tom Hoghaug Memorial Scholarship as he led all Sioux freshmen in points and goals.

[15] Nelson ended his collegiate career by signing an Entry Level Contract with the New York Islanders on April 3, 2012.

[17] He registered his first NHL point the following season on October 8, 2013, an assist on a goal by Peter Regin in a 6–1 win against the Phoenix Coyotes.

[20] On May 23, 2019, after a career year in the 2018–19 season with 53 points under Barry Trotz, Nelson signed a six-year, $36 million contract to remain with the Islanders.

[24] Nelson's uncle Dave Christian was on the 1980 United States Miracle on Ice gold medal team, and was an NHL veteran who played over 1,000 games.

[5][25] Another great uncle, Gordon Christian played for the United States at the 1956 Winter Olympics, capturing a silver medal.