NHL Rumors: Islanders moving from Barclays Center?

The New York Islanders and Barclays Center have reportedly parted ways. What’s next for them?

The relationship between the New York Islanders and Barclays Center has always been a bit awkward. Barclays was not designed to be a hockey arena, leading to some terrible views of the ice. Also, the locker room showers were more fit for basketball players than the smaller in height hockey players. There have been rumors ever since the ink dried on their lease that the Isles were looking for a new arena. Barclays Center, according to Bloomberg, has ended their side of the lease agreement.

"The arena, which is already home to the NBA’s Nets and one of the world’s top-grossing concert venues, would make more money without the National Hockey League team, according to people familiar with the facility’s financials."

So where do they go from here? Their best option is to probably go to Belmont. There have been discussions about adding an arena capable of hosting professional sports teams there anyway. Plus, the parking situation would be very easy to figure out. Public transportation to Belmont would also be far more convenient than Barclays Center. They have until the end of the 2018-19 season to work things out.

"As of earlier this month, a financial projection shared with potential investors showed the Islanders won’t contribute any revenue after the 2018-19 season — a clear signal that the team won’t play there, the people said."

Down the road, this could get interesting. John Tavares, their captain, is a free agent at the end of the 2017-18 season. Undeniably, New York must find a way to pay their star to keep him. Could this affect their willingness to give him an eight figure per season deal, which is what it would likely take to keep him?

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