The New York Islanders are the worst draw in the NHL, attracting a feeble 13,233 fans per game. With city officials balking on final approval for a new arena, the talk is that Charles Wang may move the team.
The New York Islanders are the worst draw in the NHL, attracting a feeble 13,233 fans per game. With city officials balking on final approval for a new arena, the talk is that Charles Wang may move the team.
With Kansas City and now Seattle seemingly prime areas to host NHL hockey, the Islanders would be the most likely team to move at this time. Wang is reportedly losing $20 million a year, and with the Town of Hempstead sitting on Wang”s proposal for a Lighthouse Place development that would include a new arena, it doesn’t look like any relief is on the horizon.
And Wang may find there are some compelling reasons to explore a move. Kansas City officials have been openly lusting after a sports tenant for Sprint Arena, though landlord AEG may need to be persuaded to put together an acceptable financial package for the Isles. Seattle has been gaining a lot of support within the league as a potential NHL home after the move of the Seattle SuperSonics (NBA) to Oklahoma City: KeyArena lacks a sports tenant, and Seattle has a history of supporting junior hockey. In both cities, the NHL team would be the center of attention during the hockey season. And, of course, there will be the inevitable chorus of fans wanting to see the NHL return to Winnipeg, something we don’t think is financially viable given the layout of MTS Centre.
Last week Commissioner Gary Bettman warned the city needed to approve the arena before a more drastic solution is enacted by the league and the team. We’re guessing Wang would face no league opposition to a move if Hempstead continues to sit on the development request.
