Islanders awarded rights to build new arena

[donpaulo]

I think Houston is the market they want to "sell" a franchise too. But Seattle has the plans on the board and got the support necessary to move forward.

[butch]

Belmont is more of a least objectionable location, rather than an ideal one in my view. But it is a "return" to the franchise roots so its not as terrible an idea as moving to Barclays was for example.

Unfortunately I don't believe LI will support the team. There is ample evidence that they didn't before so I am not sure I buy into the idea that they will now.

Perhaps a competitive club and a glitzy new home will attract more mouth breathers but once the luster fades I think its back to the usual half full space. Maybe thats the investors plan, to boost revenue then seek to sell for a hefty profit.

Even during their cup runs, when I lived on the Island most "hockey" fans couldn't name more than 2 or 3 members of the team.

I think the team deserves better

your fav team (rangers) owner and the Wilpons (NY Mets) have a stake in seeing that arena / mixed use development succeed as they both own a piece of the cake .

I'm not from new york so I'll take your word for it with regards to the mouth breathers .

[Axeman33]

Tavares is quitting?

I still laugh every time you pick someone up for misspelling this.

[lucafen4]

Tavares is quitting?

resign, re-sign.. I care not for grammar police

[ericdaoust]

resign, re-sign.. I care not for grammar police

I do because I had not heard he was quitting and wanted clarification.

[tweetdrivr]

resign, re-sign.. I care not for grammar police

He's resigning from the Isles and signing in Montreal. We might have a need for a #1 center...

[Kofax]

Going to take what, 2-3 years to build a new arena, at best? Doesn't really solve the problem for JT who is in his prime now. I'd still want to move if I were him.

[butch]

2020 2021 season is apparently the goal and after today's presser it sounds like bettman might be ok with them playing at the old barn until its ready which might be more appealing to Tavares instead of Barclays

[lucafen4]

[LawMan]

Seattle gets expansion to even the conferences.

Quebec is too easy. They want a team so badly and they'll have their door open now and in five years. They'll be there with their arms open whenever one of the franchises fails. That's the NHL's insurance policy.

Agreed as well. As soon as the NHL went to 4 conferences it was obvious that 32 teams was the goal. Seattle joins the Pacific which forces one team to the Central. Arizona moving to Houston would be perfect here as that makes them in the central time zone. Cleveland would also work but less ideal being eastern time.

Once the league is up to 32 teams and the owners have collected their $1.2-1.3 billion in expansion fees then Carolina/Florida and Islanders can fight over moving to Quebec City, swapping divisions (if Carolina) with Buffalo or Detroit.

[Axeman33]

He's resigning from the Isles and signing in Montreal. We might have a need for a #1 center...

LOL! I like your optimism but I am a skeptic in the end resultant.

[lucafen4]

He's resigning from the Isles and signing in Montreal. We might have a need for a #1 center...

he'd be moved to the wing so Drouin can continue at C