The New York Islanders could get word on where their new home might be before Christmas, while Josh Bailey gets an early gift.
It was just about three months ago that Newsday’s Jim Baumbach reported that the New York Islanders had submitted “a comprehensive proposal to create a world-class sports and entertainment destination” at Belmont Park in Elmont.
Monday, Baumbach reported that we could get word on whether that proposal has been accepted by New York State before the end of the week.
Belmont announcement likely this week.
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) December 18, 2017
While some fans, including this writer, still believe that all parties involved (Islanders ownership, the NHL, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, Nassau County) screwed the pooch by not renovating Nassau Coliseum to a level the NHL would have deemed acceptable, an arena in Elmont, only a few miles west of the Coliseum down Hempstead Turnpike, is a far better solution than the team moving to Kansas City, Quebec, Seattle or staying in Brooklyn.
Should the Islanders’ proposal be approved, it could lead to another Christmas gift for the franchise: Real negotiations with John Tavares about a long-term extension. If the proposal is denied, however, the Isles may have no choice but to trade Tavares before February’s trade deadline to avoid potentially losing him for nothing as a free agent.
No. 12 Gets Recognized
THIRD STAR: Josh Bailey posted 4-4—8 in 4 GP last week, including his first career hat trick, to help the @NYIslanders pick up a pair of wins. pic.twitter.com/72o2wJ67PF
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 18, 2017
Josh Bailey, who tallied eight points (four goals, four assists) in four games last week, was named the NHL’s third star of the week, behind Chicago’s Patrick Kane (First Star, five points in three games) and Philadelphia’s Brian Elliot (Second Star, 3-0-0, 1.31 GAA, .943 save percentage).
Bailey, who recorded his first career hat-trick in a losing effort against Columbus last Thursday, is tied with Tavares for the team lead in points (40), while his team-leading 31 assists are tied with Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos for second in the NHL, two behind Philadelphia’s Jakub Voracek for the league lead.
Other Isles News, Stories
- Newsday‘s Arthur Staple digs deeper into the potential Tavares negotiations.
- ESNY’s Justin Weiss says the Islanders need more predictability on defense.
