The Edmonton Oilers and Northlands, the owner and operator of Rexall Place, are split over potential plans for a new arena.

The Edmonton Oilers (NHL) and Northlands, the owner and operator of Rexall Place, are split over potential plans for a new arena.

The Oilers continue in their belief a new arena should be located in downtown Edmonton, presumably managed by the team. Northlands is fighting for a place at the table, of course, ensuring a reason for the firm's continued existence in running a new arena. CSL International has been brought in by Northlands to evaluate arena sites and financing; meanwhile, both sides have retained powerful lobbyists in an attempt to curry favor with the provincial government.

The Oilers are pretty adamant about the need for a downtown arena; Northlands management says downtown would be fine by them, but they're not ruling out a suburban location, either.

Whether there's funding at the provincial level remains to be seen. Leaders have already said they don't support any public funding of a new Oilers arena, so it may be the positioning is for naught. Northlands does have the framework to procure public funding; Oilers owner Daryl Katz may find that to be a hard sell.

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