The Islanders are continuing to discuss modifying their 25-year lease agreement at Barclays Center, Steven Marcus and Mike Rose of Newsday report. Owner Jon Ledecky characterized the talks as “extremely positive”. Both sides can opt out of their current agreement as of January 1st although it wouldn’t be surprising to see some sort of short-term arrangement worked out while they pursue a new arena site in Belmont. Ledecky noted that the state has not given him any sort of timetable on when they might decide on which redevelopment proposal to choose from at that site.
Some have speculated that getting this new arena site in place would go a long way towards helping to keep center John Tavares beyond this season. Islanders GM Garth Snow was asked about the status of contract talks and told reporters, “We want him to retire an Islander. The conversations I’ve had with John and [agent Pat Brisson] will remain private. I know John feels very strongly about this team, this organization and we feel the same back.” Tavares is eligible for unrestricted free agency in July and would be the most prominent player to hit the open market in quite some time if he isn’t signed by then.
More from the Metropolitan:
- Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce is out indefinitely after being placed in concussion protocol, the team announced. He had to leave practice early on Tuesday after a shot rode up his stick and caught him in the head. The team has already ruled him out of the lineup for their next two games in Colorado and Arizona. Klas Dahlbeck is expected to take his place in the lineup.
- Penguins defenseman Matt Hunwick skated for the first time today since being diagnosed with a concussion two weeks ago, notes Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. However, he’s still likely to be out for a little while yet as he has still not been given clearance to practice with contact by team doctors. Hunwick has played in six games with Pittsburgh this season after signing a three-year, $6.75MM deal with them early in free agency back in July.