Playing it close to the vest fits how Nelson has acted throughout his NHL career. He is a ready and willing interview during the season but his words always seem to come with a detached sense of analysis, as if he’s separating his emotions from his public persona.

For all the words spilled over what the Islanders should do with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, that is — in theory — the easy part of this process.

Teams are still waiting to hear back from GM Lou Lamoriello as to Nelson's availability as of Wednesday and extension talks are ongoing.