In an interesting twist involving the future of the New York Islanders, the city of Hartford, formerly the home of the NHL’s Whalers, has offered the team the use of the XL Center as an “interim” home, according to local news station WFSB. Hartford has been without the NHL since 1997 when the Whalers left town and became the Carolina Hurricanes.
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin sent a letter to Jonathan Ledecky, Scott Malkin and Charles Wang, the Islanders ownership group, and made a compelling pitch to lure the Isles to the state. As part of their argument, Malloy and Bronin mention in the letter that Connecticut is home to more Fortune 500 companies than several existing NHL markets, including: Columbus, Raleigh, Buffalo and Nashville. Additionally, Malloy and Bronin discuss the ongoing renovations to the XL Center, including the installation of a new ice surface and dasher boards. A copy of the letter can be found here.
It’s believed the Islanders are already exploring their options as it appears the team may exercise an opt-out in their Barclay’s Center lease following the 2017-18 campaign. Even if the Islanders choose to remain, the Barclay’s Center is expected to exercise their end of the opt-out after the 2018-19 season.
While Connecticut is amenable to providing a short-term home for the Islanders, the letter also states a willingness to work with the team to become a long-term option.
Ultimately, the Islanders are unlikely to take Connecticut up on their offer. The team’s owners have indicated their desire to remain in the New York market and a move to Hartford would probably not get the backing of Gary Bettman and the league’s other owners. But, with renovations to XL Center underway, Hartford could join Quebec City as a potential expansion or relocation candidate in the future.
Before the NHL expands to a city like Quebec or Hartford, it has to even out the two conferences. Currently the Eastern Conference has 2 more teams than the Western Conference. The addition of Las Vegas next season cuts the difference to one, but that’s still not identical. That’s why Seattle, if they ever get everything together, is a perfect place for expansion. That solves the numerical difference. Now, if Carolina ends up moving, Quebec is likely the leading candidate to land the Canes. However, it would be very ironic if the Hurricanes ended up heading back to Hartford.
I’ve always maintained that relocation to Seattle and expanding to Quebec is the smarter decision than doing the reverse. Quebec has proven that they’ll support even the worst of franchises(see the Nordiques circa 1988-1992).
Seattle is the NHLs first choice and would have been over Vegas as well its just the arena issue holding them back.
The link to a copy of the letter (end of paragraph 2) doesn’t go anywhere.
It should open up an online PDF file for you
Lol what what?
That’s awesome for Hartford fans, but I’d hate to see the Isles leave. Then again, I guess they already have left Long Island
Not happening. That building was built in the 70’s and needs much more than a facelift. It was a dump when I used to go to Whalers games in the 90’s.
Malloy has drive out 2 top companies out of the state due to high taxes. This won’t happen as long as Malloy is governor. Also the market would be tough because your competing with Boston and New York
Very unlikely this happens and Hartford “fans”don’t deserve it. Hartford “fans” don’t care about hockey, only about the color green and Brass Bonanza. We can’t even get people to come out and support the Wolf Pack.
Anyways, yes the XL Center is a major dump. While the upgrades have provided some life it’s virtually just putting lipstick on a pig. There are some major updates coming this summer, especially with regards to the system under the ice and hopefully this will allow them to keep the building warmer b/c it’s brutal sitting at games right now…very cold in the building.
CT has other things to worry about than getting an NHL team anyways. Unless someone is willing to step forth and pay for a new arena NHL to Hartford will never happen. Tax payers aren’t going to pay for something else, especially with the deficit this state is in and especially after the whole debacle with the Yard Goats stadium.
Quebec City is the answer for this franchise. They would be gladly welcomed there in the new” NHL hockey arena” just built. They would get all of the attention it needs to be successful instead of being “the other NY team” This team in Quebec City would be a great provicial rival for the Canadiens too.
In return, the NHL should move Boston to Metropolitan division and a new Quebec City team to the Atlantic. Next (and last) expansion should be in Seattle to the Pacific.
Hartford is a good AHL city for its size and location and it should stay that way.
I would do this. I would do 18 teams in each conference. Add Seattle/Vegas to the Pacific and two of these three cities (Houston, Kansas City and Milwaukee) Then move the Islanders to Hartford and put a team in Atlanta and put those in the Metro. Then add a team in Quebec City and put that team in the Atlantic. Then have a 20 team playoff (baseball wild card play-in) For example, WC1 vs WC 4 faces the 2nd best team in the conference and WC 2 vs WC 3 faces the best team in the conference. However, make that wildcard series a best of 3.