UNEASY TIMES IN ISLANDERS COUNTRY
Sorting out the Canadian cries of the NYI’s demise
UPDATED at 5:00 pm: Three hours after the following story was posted, Newsday received reaction from NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly about those reports from Canada of the Islanders’ financial turmoil. Emailed Daly: “Totally and categorially untrue.” Larry Brooks of the Post also followed up.
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1:00 pm: Yesterday it was a national magazine. Today it was a veteran hockey writer, someone super-connected at league levels. This has been going on since the start of the playoffs.
On the phone, in Washington, Detroit and Montreal, on radio shows, on the plane to Pittsburgh…the questions are coming from everywhere.
“What can you tell us about the whispers Charles Wang is fed up with carrying the Islanders”?
“What do you know about the NHL supposedly taking over the franchise, like it did in Phoenix”?
“What do you hear about the Islanders moving”?
Dave Shoalts of the Globe and Mail had a story two weeks implying financial ruin and possible re-location for the Islanders. The reverberations from that one have not ceased. Stephen Brunt, a bit recklessly in my opinion, wrote yesterday that the Islanders are immediately available to move to Canada.
The most ominous words from my inquisitors – just about all of them legit media players in this sport – are this:
“I can’t get anyone in the league to deny it.”
The concern in Islanders Country can be illustrated by an email I received yesterday from reader Marc Leger. Marc is a good man from Quebec who works in the sports business and worships the New York Islanders. Here’s what he wrote when he heard I would be in Montreal this week:
I have a question for you, as you are in Canada for Game 6. You may start hearing these rumours as well. Over the past two weeks, I keep hearing from certain sport shows out of Toronto that are very respected in North America (Prime Time Sports with Bob McCowan) that there is serious trouble out of Long Island in regards to Wang owning the team.
The show (made up of reporters such as Stephen Brunt and Jim Kelley and others) is stating that there is a very distinct possibility that the NHL is now in control of the Isles and that Wang has washed his hands of the team. They keep stating that they cannot get anyone to deny this from an NHL office perspective.
Have you heard similar rumours? I know that rumours are rumours, but sadly more often than not, where there is smoke, there is a little fire brewing…
So here is my reaction:
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Charles Wang is undoubtedly fed up with his investment in the Islanders, the National Hockey League and Nassau County. However, I have not heard even the slightest bit of real information that he has told the NHL that he’s through with the franchise or has asked the league to take over.
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If you’re Wang, you have to love every time a story this severe gets out. I’ve believed for a long time that the Islanders will only get saved when the situation is at its most dire. Like the Islanders having one foot out of Nassau County.
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From everything I’ve heard, Wang and his business partner Scott Rechler will wait to see what Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead consultants bring back on the Lighthouse Project. They will also sit back while Ed Mangano and Nassau County consider alternatives for the Coliseum property, like the Shinnecock casino.
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As the lease states, the Islanders will be playing in their current building until at least 2015.
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The Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates that NHL teams must spend to the salary cap floor. Despite the financial pains, the Islanders will sign their top prospects and nothing should get in the way of fielding a postseason-competitive team next season and beyond. Garth Snow and Ryan Jankowski have proceeded with business as usual.
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Gary Bettman has no interest whatsoever in seeing the Islanders, coincidentally the team he rooted for, going to Winnipeg or Quebec City or Kansas City or anywhere outside of New York.
As for Wang and the Islanders working with the Wilpons and the Mets to present a two-headed, New York sports power (with public transportation and increased press coverage!)…well, golly gee – that’s always made too much sense.
I love my media brethren in Canada. They write with an unmatched passion for the sport and break countless stories. It should be noted that they have been consistently accurate in their reportage on the plight of the Phoenix Coyotes.
In the end, I will continue to believe that Charles Wang is too emotionally invested in the hockey team to sell it off to the highest bidder and a place far, far away from here. If you don’t know want I mean, look at the picture at the end this story. Wang sits at the head of the draft table in the first round, for heaven’s sake. It’s rare when you find any of the other 29 team’s owners anywhere in the building. This little hockey acquisition has become a huge part of his life, whether he admits it or not.
My advice would be to enjoy the summer, the draft, the UFA period, your families and friends and stay cool. Until the day Bettman or Wang go public with a meaningful public comment declaring otherwise, the New York Islanders should still be around for a while.
Comments.
95 Responses to UNEASY TIMES IN ISLANDERS COUNTRY
Sorting out the Canadian cries of the NYI’s demise
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PotvinRocks says:
Until the shovel goes in the ground there will always be these rumors. Where there is smoke there is fire.
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David says:
Im happy with Wang as an owner. He really cares!
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(Sim)ple says:
Thanks for the report Chris. I do not take any ‘rumors’ about this team seriously unless they come from you and Katie in posts, and the team or the NHL in the form of press conferences or releases.
Keep up the great work and thanks quelling some immediate concerns.
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geduffer says:
I daresay that the league hasn’t responded since they would prefer to talk about the playoffs and those teams actually still playing hockey. That’s what I’ve been busy watching.
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jethro09 says:
Until this team has a new/renovated arena deal in place, there is always a chance this team can move. And with all due respect, I disagree with your assessment of Wang. I think if he could unload this team tomorrwo and recoup some of the massive losses he’s accumulated, he’d dump them immediately, regardless of where the team would wind up if he sold.
I still believe (not know, believe) that Wang bought the team for the purposes of developing the area around the Coliseum and not because he liked hockey or the Islanders. Wang is a businessman, first and foremost. He is not going to continue to hold onto this team and lose $20M/season.
Eventually, he’s going to cut his losses and that time is probably rapidly approaching, since the Lighthouse appears to be all but dead. The only reason he’s probably held onto the team THIS long is the sliver of hope he and Rechler have that some profitable form of the Lighthouse will be approved by the TOH. But once that hope is completely dashed, he will rid himself of the Islanders.
I know Wang has done great things for Long Island and I think over the years he has developed a fondness for the team, but I wouldn’t put it past him to sell and watch the team move somewhere else. The only hope is that if he sells, the incoming buyer is not hell-bent on moving the team out of the NY area and will be open to keeping the team in NY, as in Queens or Brooklyn.
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Isles Revamped says:
This was exactly what I was stating in my posts two days ago. The organization is screwed. No wonder why Dey jumped ship. You think your a free will sign here now? Not a chance in hell. at least not one we need.
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Melvin says:
I’m completely making this up, but…I started to wonder if Wang could help Wilpon with some of his financial issues (which he may or may not have, but whatever) and Wilpon could help Wang with his little arena problem if the two came to a partnership agreement of some sort. My guess is Wilpon would still want to own a vast majority of the Mets and Wang the big chunk of the Isles, but if they partnered up…who knows. Maybe that solves everyone’s issues.
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JD says:
It can’t be a surprise to anyone that Wang is completely frustrated by everything. I agree with CB’s premise that only something dire will save our Isles. I know Wang can drive us fans crazy sometimes but I for one respect his patience through this long process and am grateful he hasn’t thrown in the towel yet as owner. Hopefully Queens or Brooklyn in the future.
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j says:
mean while in bridgeport the office staff is talking about how wang/the islanders are trying to get control over the A@HY so they can manage it themselves.
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Uncle Jr says:
i’m sick to my stomach ….. the last time i felt this way was when i picked up the Post many years ago and read … JOHN SPANO A FRAUD ? ….
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Pnut says:
This is the umpteenth time there is a rumor with the Isles moving to Hamilton. As long as Jim Basille is alive this will be a distraction. Until the joke that is the TOH Republican party loses a few reps this will continue, which now looks to be forever!Ugh!
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Jerky says:
Thanks for the story CB. Given this information, my biggest concern as an Islander fan is whether this means Snow and company do little or nothing this offseason to improve the team, other than the draft, signing Hamonic and Poulin, and making a few insignificant signings to reach the cap floor thereby fielding another AHL-caliber team next season. While I love watching homegrown young talent develop, there needs to be some more pieces added to the team for year three of the rebuild and I believe this could be in jeopardy if these rumors have legs.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how it all shakes out. Enjoy the rest of your travels during the playoff stretch.
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Bob says:
The sooner Wang sells, the sooner this team can be taken serious again. Other than keeping the team on Long Island, (which considering the lease, he didn’t have many options) he’s made a once proud franchise the laughingstock of the NHL. Go ahead and sell already so we Islander fans can move on.
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a REAL hockey fan says:
Heeeeerrre we go again! Can we just talk hockey and not this off ice nonsense! I WANT TO TALK DRAFT/OFFSEASON moves!
Im with you CB, i think something will happen when the Isles have their back to the wall and Hempstead and the county and Wang will work something out. I HATE the ‘dancing’ that comes with these type negotiations, but i do think that they will EVENTUALLY – SLOWLY – PAINFULLY get something done!
Until then? Its like putting your foot in a blender and pressing liquify, purify, dice, etc, just pick one! Aaaaaargh
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Bossyisgreat says:
This is the Islanders we’re talking about….ANYTHING is possible.
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rb says:
Even if Mr. Wang were to sell the team, it would be INSANE to move the team out of the New York metropolitan area.
Andrew Zimbalist is an economist who probably knows more about the economics of sports teams and arenas/stadiums than anybody in the field. He wrote “Sports, Jobs and Taxes: The Economic Impact of Sports Teams and Stadiums.” Just look up his impressive bio at Smith College.
Last year when the Isles were playing their exhibition game in Kansas City, Zimbalist said it would be nuts and it would make no financial sense to move the Isles out of the largest market in the country no matter what you think you could make from these new arenas in small markets like KC, Saskatoon or Quebec.
Of course, I could see the Isles moving to Queens or maybe Brooklyn. But NO to the Wilpons. They can’t even run the Mets in an uncapped league.
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Ethan K says:
Can’t wait for this dummy to sell the team. You don’t see the other 29 team owners at the draft table because they don’t know anything about hockey and they ADMIT IT! They get out of the way! Beg for support for your stupid, unrealistic real estate plans, and then tell us nothing about what you’re doing. Wang should sell the team to someone who is willing to just renovate the Coliseum and keep the team here.
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bossy22 says:
So CB, would you say it’s safe to get an Islander Tattoo or just hold off
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As long as the Islanders don’t let Omar run the drafting & development of the Islanders youth movement, or let him try to sign any free agents, I’d love to see them move to Queens. If Omar has some say, I’d rather see them in KC or Queebec City.
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kingbet123 says:
I can’t take this anymore!!! Can the County and Charles get together and sort something out. Every day this go by, the more expensive it’s going to be. There are so many Islander fans here, it’s ridiculous why this can’t get done.
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Ryan Sweeney says:
Its sad that we even have to address these rumors as fact. I think its a form of sabotage heading into UFA. What do you think CB?
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Lets talk about that great 2008 Draft with Bailey,Dehaan,Petrov,Donovan,Martin Poulin,Martin and Justin DB… Not this garbage…
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Michael Pastore says:
Wilpon buying the team and moving them to Queens would save the franchise. But the only way to truely make it work is to put a competitive team on the ice. New Yorkers will only deal with a loser for so long. Classic example remember Yankee Stadium in the late 80s early 90s it was a ghost town why, they were the worst team in baseball. Put a product on the ice and the fans will come. A new arena without the follow through with a good team is only a bandaid.
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Eastonhockey says:
Isles can stay on long island n never win a playoff round with Wang owning team or they can sell and move team. Either way isles as a succesfull hockey team are long long gone
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Neil says:
Wow are you drinking the kool-aid CB. Wang has had only one interest from day 1, real estate. He could care less about the team. He’ll sell to anyone willing to buy in a heartbeat, regardless of where they are located and their intent.
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mark p says:
One of my teammates has a daughter that plays on the same travel hockey team as Wang’s daughter…..apparently he is a true hockey fan that is emotionally and financially attached to our franchise. He has every right to be frustrated, but I don’t see him bailing out too quick.
I imagine he is pretty excited about the China trip and the extra revenue for parking. -
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
CB- I agree with our friend from Quebec … “Where there is smoke there is usually fire.” … However … the question is … Where is the smoke coming from?. Is it one of those controlled burns set on purpose to burn away brush in order to protect assets? Is it one of those accidental fires set carelessly by a few irresponsible choice words? Or … Is it a blaze that is going out of control due because it just can’t be contained any longer?
CB – We’ve all been around this team and issue long enough to know that Charles Wang has gone 10 rounds with local Gov’t and has been knocked to the matt several times … He’s had some standing 10 counts and survived … But how much more can he take? Really? He loves this team … but so do people who love their homes that lose it to foreclosure.
I’m very concerned… and I’ll say this … Even as a Yankee fan … I hope that Wang can do something with the Wilpons… anything to save my Isles.
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Hextall72 says:
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things”
That’s pretty much all we have left now
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Hockey Guy in Canada says:
As far as I can tell, after years of watching and following all things Islanders related, there is no such thing as a “secret source” regarding the Islanders for Canadian hockey writers. The average fan of the Islanders, if they have been paying attention, is already more informed (thanks to blogs like this)than most of these professionals who just seem to grab most of their information right off the internet. For example, the Dave Shoalts mention of a “banker aquaintence” who commented on the over-availability of office space on Long Island seems like bull to me. If you ask me, he got that from reading something else. What Long Island banker aquaintence does Shoalts have? Just my opinion. The problem is, with Wang not talking, these half-truths from the opposition, like when Al D’Amato writes something, begin to sound like the gospel truth. Just because some writer in Canada’s hockey team is done and he decides to write something on the Islanders, the next thing you know, it sounds true because now its a Canadian “hockey writer” who said it.
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i have to agree with “Hockey guy in canada” (24) when it comes to the Isles these “sources” are mostly bs. My opinion is that Wang is letting these rumors run rampant to get the TOH to move their butts….. but i am still sick to my stomach reading this whole thing.
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Sheppy says:
I am not too worried…yet. However, I would have been less concerned if these rumors had come out after July 1st. If I was a top free agent, there is no way I’d sign here with all of this drama. If you are Dan Hamhuis and you are choosing between the Islanders (four years @ $5.25mil/per) and the Flyers (four years @ $5mil/per), which team do you choose?
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Smitty says:
Hockey Guy in Canada:
Not to nitpick but if you google office availability on Long Island you can get a sense of what Shoalts was saying.
From a NY Times article:
“Still, what has buoyed landlords the most has been the relative vitality of the Long Island industrial market, a strength not mirrored by its ravaged office market.”
I don’t imagine it would take much to speak with a ‘banker’ who might know about this.
Shoalts is pretty solid, now if you wanted to talk about the validity of words written by Bruce Garrioch then I am on board!
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John says:
With all the current turmoil in Phoenix and the possibility of the Coyotes going back to Winnipeg… the NHL hasn’t said boo on the issue letting the city take care of business with Ice Edge and Riensdorf. The NHL won’t be saying anything until the playoffs are done… and the Islanders situation sounds like a lot of alarm bells going off to get things moving one way or another.
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JJ says:
Given everything I know about this team and Charles Wang, all these rumors seem completely false. Sure, Wang is likely completely pissed with the process, but it doesn’t seem like Wang ever wants to be known as the guy who sold the Isles off Long Island. Quite to the contrary, he wants to rebuild Long Island around the Islanders!
I really don’t think the Isles are going anywhere. I believe something will get built in Hempstead, albeit much smaller than what Wang desires.
I really wouldn’t mind if they moved to Flushing either. It would be super cool to have a Mets/Islanders village with all kinds of bars/restaurants/hotels. Downtown San Diego was a craphole until Petco Park was built. Now that area is totally revitalized, beautiful and fun.
And as for the future of the team on the ice, I’m extremely optimistic. I don’t know if they’ll win a Cup w/in the next 10 years… winning those Cups is extremely difficult. But they could certainly be a playoff contender regularly. Once that happens, the Coliseum will be packed.
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27Tonelli says:
#17 deHaan was drafted in 2009 buddy!
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islesfever says:
RUMOURS: Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see and everything will be alright!
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Tim F. says:
I’ll bet these stories are plants. Mr. Wang must be having a good chuckle right about now. And what a hoot – - “no one in the NHL office will deny it.” Of course not! If they deny it, there goes Wang’s political leverage. Wang and Bettman are crazy like foxes. The media can be so gullible (except for you, CB!).
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Jim Clark says: If the NHL were to deny this story, why should anyone believe them? 18 months ago Gary Bettman was denying the Phoenix Coyotes had any financial problems.
Wang may like hockey but rich people love money even more. At some point he is going to realize he won’t get his real estate project and sell the Islanders.
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isles14 says:
i think i just puked all over my keyboard.
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dose says:
i’m done guessing, predicting or hypothesising about what’s going to happen. it’s all too gut wrenching and aggravating. this latest stuff from up north is pretty disturbing on the face of it, but that’s all it is, the face of it. as noted screenwriter and hollywood luminary william goldman said about film producers “knowing” which ideas would be a hit and which would bomb, “nobody knows nothing.”
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I’ve been giving this issue more thought … Which can be dangerous. LOL! I echo most everyone’s sentiments about this issue.
Anyways … When it comes down to it … this is a business deal / gov’t regulation issue. Think about it. What got us to where we are today is NYS’ SEQRA … bottom line … It gave way too much authority to a municipality that in no way has the capacity to handle a project of this scale. I think both sides can agree on that. That coupled with the Isles’ / NVMC SMG deal created the perfect storm.
What needs to happen … if the law will allow is for NYS to step in … create a board with State, County, Town and LH reps to come to compromise that both sides can live with. This means it has to be economically viable for Wang / Rechler to produce a project that was demanded by the County to begin with.
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On a side note … The Columbus Blue Jackets just did what the Isles did… Got rid of SMG which was killing them also. -
Lance79 says:
Good article CB. Weren’t the “Canadian media” behind all those stories of “Tavares doesn’t won’t play for the Islanders” last year around this time? Don’t get me wrong, this may have more
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starz31 says:
No question Wang is fed up with this process. He had dreams of a big real estate project, initiated years before our recession (I do believe in the I propose 100% and get <75% of the plan-theory). CB and #28 could be very well right. This could be a strategic ploy.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens with this Casino-idea and how that effects Wang and if this strategy is linked to that idea.
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Blizzard says: I read both articles. Im with CB on this one. Although i will be more derogatory in my characterization of the Canadien media outlets that supplied this drivel. Especially that tool Stephen Brunt. I tire of these Canadien journalists that carry the attitude like Canada is the place where all troubled NHL frachises should relocate to. My sympathies to Winnipeg and Quebec hockey fans, but teams left for a reason.
The Islanders play in New York with an established fanbase and a rich history. Largest market. mismanagement has killed this club. Not its geographical location.
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JC Frank says:
The biggest key here is that Bettman knows what’s good for Canada isn’t whats good for hockey, at least the NHL. That is why Glendale is better that Winnipeg, even though most of us would love to see the Jets (and the Whale and Nords) back.
But now that the Lighthouse is close to nevermore, and CW needs to move west on the Island, the pull isn’t going to be as great. Hence I can see the Wilpon’s or Ratner making a play to get them.
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Spartiarti RVC says:
Ha, UNEASY TIMES IN LONG ISLAND> that should be our new goal song.
I wouldnt take anything written by toronto beat writer too seriously. Media in toronto and montreal has nothing better to write about.
If its not about Hockey, its really of no importance. I guess there are only so many article you can publish that talk about what went wrong with TORONTO MAPLE CHOKES this year. So lets pick on the isles, the team that stole their beloved Tavares that Burke promised he would get.
NO QUESTION WANG Is fed up as any of us would be in his shoes.
Its funny that Murray and Magano would discuss Casino and bring laughs that garden city would be alright with that. Yeah that what we need make a big flashy eye soar of a casino, and make the surrounding area around NMVC a even bigger GHETTO.
Instead of a Beautiful park/restaurant family destination that is home of our Isles.
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Mike in Bohemia says:
My biggest nightmare:
1. The status quo drags on until 2015 with nothing happening(except rumors).
2. Isles move away.
3. Kate Murray continues to get reelected.
4. My kids move away from Long Island as there is no opportunity for them here.Somebody make it stop……..
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orngfan says:
queens makes too much sense for it to ever happen for this franchise. brooklyn or a refurbished nvmc will be the islanders home in the future. bettman’s stance seems to be that he doesn’t want any nhl franchise to relocate. phoenix never won a cup and they haven’t been playing hockey there for nearly 40 years. the islanders on the other hand are the NHL’s last dynasty and have 40 year roots in ny. bettman isn’t going to let them leave unless something catastrophic happens. and with a brand new state of the art arena being built in brooklyn i think thats where we end up playing some games. maybe in 50 years they move back to nassau county when the rats and weasels pass away..
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Eric says:
I think in the 25th hour The Islanders will stay in Nassau County and all us true fans will have a huge sigh of relief. When will that happen? Maybe a year, maybe even 2 years. Until then, You will see more articles like this, from writers that just need to write something, but do not really have a source.
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4theisles says:
According to today’s Daily News, the Russian hockey owner who is buying the soon to be Bklyn Nets is worth 13+ Billion. Seems that his first interest in Russia was hockey. I would not be shocked if Wang and he weren’t discussing some deal involving the future of the Isles.
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Gary says:
i have a bad feeling that the TOH will not come back with a very reasonable 75-80% of what Wang wanted–It will be alot less designed to have him walk away—and start this process yet again
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Wang is not selling this team or relinquishing control any time soon. His trip to China is too important to him.
Once again, any news like this that comes out is good for him, not ToH.
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Staten Islander says:
More drama, just what I need. I just hope cooler heads prevail and get this done already
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CT Isles Fan says:
Mr. Christopher Botta, “The Voice of the New York Islanders”. Keeping Isles Country cool while the organization is taking heat. Thanks. How you are still not employed by the Isles is beyond me.
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neologizer says:
The Isles situation is completely different then the other unstable NHL franchises. NY has the 2 most valuable MLB teams, the 2nd most valuable NBA and NHL teams.
It has 9 major sports franchises – only one has financial issues. Only one has an old unrenovated stadium. Only one has a terrible lease. Only one is not connected to transportation hubs. Guess which one….. -
Dan Sec 303 says:
This is all political/PR moves to get things moving in the right direction.
First of all, Mangano doesn’t want the Casino, and the Shinnecock Nation doesn’t want to come to Nassau. They are using each other to put pressure on other people. Mangano, wants jobs for his constituents and the Shinnecock wants Suffolk to get off their butts.
Same here on the Public Relations world from Canada, what a way to leak a story to get things stirred up to put more pressure on the Town of Hempstead.
The fact of the matter is, IMHO, Wang doesn’t want to move, too much invested already. When he bought the team I don’t believe he was a hockey fan, but he was a fan of Long Island. Now he is both.
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MJS says:
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the Canadian media has been consistently accurate with the Coyotes situation. Over the summer about 85% of what I read was complete crap. It does make a lot of sense given that the LDC has basically closed up shop and all, but if this was actually a story about Wang inquiring about what kind of financial help the league could offer the team blown way out of proportion by the Canadians I would believe it. That being said, I would be fully in favor of the Isles partnering with the Mets/being bought by the Wilpons. Anything to keep them from going far from where they are. So, if that kind of stuff comes out of Canada then it’s worth believing. Since Jim Balsillie and his “Make It Seven” campaign Canadians have been frothing at the mouth to get another franchise up there, and that definitely extends to the media. Now, every time there is a franchise with any kind of financial troubles there is a story that comes out that that team is moving to Quebec, Hamilton, Winnipeg, etc. Not to say that there has never been any truth behind those stories, but what is always consistent is that those stories are blown way out of proportion. If the Canadian media is to be believed all the time then there are about fourteen teams in Canada. So, CB is right, until there is something concrete from Wang, Bettman, or the NHL, don’t believe the hype.
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cjzimm says:
This dance will probably continue on for a couple years unfortunately. More power to Wang for trying not to get screwed by the politicians. If Wang really wants to sell he should ask the new Russian Nets owner to buy the team so they can play in the new arena in Brooklyn. Otherwise he should wait until 2015 and the team becomes a free agent and he can move them to what ever city gives him the best deal on their new arean.
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JP91 says:
From Newsday’s blog…
“In response to speculation that Charles Wang may have attempted to elicit assistance from the league given the Islanders dire financial straits, NHL Deputy Commissioner said in an email to Newsday:
“Totally and uncategorically untrue”
Daly also dismissed any talk of the NHL taking any controlling interest in the franchise.
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“I can’t get anyone in the league to deny it.”
It is a fallacy for these writers to assume that because it can’t be denied then it must be true.
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billy says:
Hopefully this isnt becoming the mess that it seems it is.
That being said, and no offense to any isles fans but if the team i’ve lived and breathed since 1987 comes to WINNIPEG, im gonna be jumping for joy.
I didnt care about the jets at all, but after not having nhl hockey here for the last 16 years and to get my all time favorite team to move here…….how could i not be excited at the thought!!!!!
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Otter says:
If in fact there were any truth to this, why wouldn’t Wang come out with it? It’s good leverage for the team to attempt to get something done with this whole lighthouse…casino…speakeasy whatever they plan on putting there this week.
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Since the NY Post and Newsday have updated the story … we know that the Canadian Press has been spinning BS … They couldn’t find anyone with the NHL to deny it???!!! Who did they ask? The receptionist? Who probably said something like … “I didn’t hear anything either way.” So she couldn’t deny it?
Try this … do what the NY journalists did guys … Go ask someone in the know … Like Daly … They got a straight up NO!
That being said … I don’t think this whole Canadian media stirring things up was because of Wang trying to put the fire to Murray / Mangano … Because really now … if they don’t really care what their fellow Long Islanders feel about the Islanders … They aren’t going to be pressured because some Canadian Press is stirring up stories that the Isles might move to Canada. They’re probably laughing about it just as Wang is.
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The Real JD says:
I agree with #28.
People people people I believ this is a ploy by bettman/wang to attempt to create some urgency on the part of the TOH.
Time will tell if it works but I doubt it since the TOH seems to be more broken than the federal gov’t if that’s possible.Whatta mess.
Poor Wang he deserves better than the TOH and so do we the fans. -
RagsSuck says:
I mean this positively: who cares? Wherever they end up, we root for them. Hockey is a 4th rate sport in an area that is saturated with hocckey teams and pro sports. We have been horrible for 15 years. The area sucks. They dont deserve a lucrative fan base. Move, settle down, and the fans will come if the product is good.
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miket239 says:
if these rumors were indeed true, who on this planet could blame Charles Wang?! as a matter of fact, if the Isles do survive and stay on Long Island for the rest of their lives, Charles Wang should be considered the savior of the franchise. but if he were to wash his hands of the whole thing, I would not blame him one iota.
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Strummer's Army says:
If Isles ever do leave LI, NY, or Nassau Co. there is one person (and her masters) to blame and that is kate Murray.
I’ll have to read up on the other articles but I think CB’s reassurances have gone well. I understand the Light House project is best for the Isles and Wang and the County and the NHL but I have to say, I am surpirsed he hasn’t pursued other options much harder.
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Hockey1919 says:
The Islanders are locked into a lease until 2015, wouldn’t they be more valuable and therefore better to sell when the new owner could move the team? Therefore I would think moving is a non-issue until 2015 at the earliest.
In the interim, the issue to me is whether the Lighthouse is approved or not. If it is then Wang can start spending some money to improve the on-ice product. And NO just renovating the Coliseum cannot be done by Wang since that is not the deal with the County.
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va says:
Well, you really can not blame Wang for being fed up! The whole lighthouse issue is a total nightmare for Isle fans. I think this whole fiasco can keep solid UFA’s away from us over the summer.
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The new isles gm says:
I am confident Wang will own this team the next time this team hoists the Stanley Cup. The team is only improving.. The seats will start to fill again. I feel pretty good about next year. This team will no doubt about it be a contender by the end of the lease and I truely believe that Wang will be apart of that no matter where- nassau, brooklyn, or queens. Garth n Co. Has done a good job thus far….just stay patient friends….
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vlad says:
Why is anybody upset about this? This could be the best news the islanders franschise has had in years.
Wang is one of the worst things, we are where we are because of him.
let him sell and finally get a real owner in here and hopefully real gm and then you will see the Isles Rise again.
Please wang sell!!!!!!
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Jack says:
Nobody asked or offered as to weather or not the team is for sale.
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Darren says:
Rumor has it that the Isles will be headed elsewhere and the NVMC will be reduced to a pile of rubble!Guess what they(county officials)are getting ready to approve to build….Yep,just what LI needs….. another SHOPPING MALL!!!!This team is friggn’ jinxed.Look @ it this way..if they move maybe in 5-10yrs an expansion team will return hockey to LI.and Weight can lead the rebuild.
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eye on the island says:
if jerry can manage the lines the way he does his bullpen im in?
and think of all the unintentional comedy omar would get on ice-most entertaining product in years!
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I hear there is this Spano guy who is interested. He is in the steel making business, license plates I think.
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Mario says:
I’ve been saying it, MOVE the Isles to Bridgeport near the arena @ harbor Yard. There is plenty of real estate and Wang can build his promised land and the Isles fans can still come over on the ferry. I might be biased since they would be 10 minutes from my house, but why not look into it. Trump wanted to develop there but they would not let him do a casino.
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upstatebackstop says:
This team isnt going anywhere. Wang might sell it, but they wont leave N.Y. What owner leaves the strongest sports market in North America? Attendance isnt bad either considering we’ve sucked for 15 years. We’ll average 14,000 a night easy if we get these things: a competetive team(we’ll have one very soon), a mass transit connection, and a modern arena (like the barclays center in 2012). When they aquire these things the islanders become a powerhouse.
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Tom says:
It looks like Bill Daly is now responding to questions about the Islanders. Until The Hermit speaks Bill Daly is the Isles new PR man I guess.
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Blizzard says:
…sheesh. Well its always exciting no matter what in Islander country. We need something to bitch about with the playoffs underway and the draft still a month away. As always CB gives us the lowdown. Unless I hear it from a credible source..as in CB, I’m just speculating wildly on who we are gonna draft.
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I bet It’s that Brian Burke again, trying to deflect some attention away from his unbelievably underachieving team and at the same time coerce John Tavares into signing with the fable-leafs next time around!
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Aaron says:
Hi….thanks CB, great report! As a former LIer living in Toronto, the sheer ignorance is mind boggling when it comes to Islanders affairs and such.
But I have this nagging question: why don’t the Islanders just move to Suffolk County? Say something right over the border of Nassau?
I have yet to hear an answer to that.
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dewey says:
I would not take anything that bob mccowan says very seriously. Any person who wears sunglasses indoors is a douchebag, lol. And he is from t.o., so they always think they have the inside scoop on anything hockey related.
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BringBackNyles says:
These vicious rumors must have been from the same people who said DiPietro was finished two years ago, we all know that was untrue. he has played 3 games and his daddy says he will be ready for 2015
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Pete says:
Just rumors they said the same thing in the 50′s about the Dodgers and Giants leaving did they move?Seriously folks this is a ploy to push the lazy politicans do do something for the lighthouse project.Everything will be ok lets focus on the draft and free agents this summer.
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Mike from Oceanside says:
Inasmuch as I believe Mr. Wang will eventually sell this team to a new owner who’ll eventually relocate the club…The Dave Shoalts story was developed from a blog he read & the Stephen Brunt column was pure rumor with zero on-the-record sources (he used the verbage “whispers” in regard the Islanders). At least Ben Bradlee insisted upon two confirming sources back in the early 70′s.
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JT says:
Kate Murray – This is your problem. If you force the Isles to move (yes, it will be because of the way you mishandled the LHP), you will forever be remembered with scorn and greeted with derision. Do you want that to be your legacy? You will have driven away the only professional sports team on LI – one of the few things that all Long Islanders can identify with – and the jobs and revenue that go with it.
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Al L says:
Rags #67! “Wherever they move we root for them?” I can’t speak for everyone,like you are doing,but I’ll say this. Although I have moved out of the NY area,that is where my heart and sports team civic pride will primarily remain. These are the NY ISLANDERS you are speaking of with a very important crest on the chest of their Jerseys. I will have no problem seeing their future as the NY Islanders Of Brooklyn or NY ISLANDERS OF QUEENS. There ain’t no Island to speak of in KC,Vegas,Boise,Hamilton or any other damn rumored place. What allegience could I or any NY ISLANDERS fan have for the IOWA OAKS,VEGAS GAMBLERS KANSAS CITY TORNADOS or HAMILTON HUMP??? Your attitude gives me the WINNIPEG WILLIES!!!!
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BillyBC says:
Queens is honestly a better option than nassau at this point. I for one do not want the islanders in Hempstead anymore. For one thing, the fanbase just isnt there. Queens would give the isles more exposure links to NYC area, public transit, a new arena etc… I hope this happens and the isles can truly be “born again”
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Steve says:
According to Newsday, Jeff Wilpon has recently talking with Wang for a possible relocation to Queens.
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According to Newsday, the Mets owner Jeff Wilpon has had recent discussions with Wang for a possible relocation to Queens.
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TM says:
Today’s Newsday story by K. Strang sheds new light that Wang is finally talking with Wilpon about Queens. Hallelullah. It’s the first thing that has made sense in a long time.
NYI would be Kings in Queens. But would be paupers on LI.
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admin says:
Thread closed.
I gotta say, it’s been uneasy times in Islanders Country since 1995. This bit of non-news isn’t going to make it any uneasier.