There’s also the matter of Lamoriello’s loyalty to his crew. He only traded Nelson for that good return because Nelson rebuffed several contract offers, likely in the three-year range. If Lamoriello had his way, no one would have been traded this week and the Islanders would have brought the entire gang back for another go in 2025-26.

The goal of general manager Lou Lamoriello, whose team sits four points out of a wild-card spot, was to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent forwards Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Lamoriello was unable to retain Nelson, who reportedly turned down a three-year deal at around $7.5 million annually.

The record says it, the standings say it and the Islanders’ play on the ice Monday shouted it to the pinwheel ceiling at the Garden: Sell, sell, sell.