Ahead of the 1979-80 season, New York Islanders legend John Tonelli had a conversation with his head coach Al Arbour. It was a game-changer.

John Tonelli had a solid first season with the New York Islanders, potting 17 goals with 39 assists in 1978-79.

That season, the Islanders won the Patrick Division and went on to sweep the Chicago Blackhawks in the opening round of the playoffs. But their run would end there, as the rival New York Rangers sent them packing after six games.

Tonelli had a goal and six assists before he and the team began their summer vacation. 

When training camp rolled around ahead of the 1979-80 season, Tonelli showed well, but it was also noticeable that something was wrong. 

As cuts were being made, Tonelli got a tap on the shoulder from one of the trainers and was told, "Al wants to see you."

Tonelli, nervous that he was being sent home, headed down to the office of his head coach Al Arbour, which could be found in the bowels of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The meeting was exactly what Tonelli needed, and we know how that season ended for him and the Islanders.

Here's what Arbour said to Tonelli, a story that No. 27 shared at his New York State Hockey Hall of Fame Induction: