New York Islanders Summer Agenda Includes Belmont Park

While the New York Islanders have been busy this off-season with player moves, there is a big off-season item that needs to take a major step this summer. The New York Islanders summer agenda includes getting Belmont Park over the goal line.

While the New York Islanders are still looking at ways to improve next year’s squad on the ice (Matt Duchene trade?) there is work to be done away from the ice.

The Islander fans need to hear good news regarding Belmont Park and the signing of John Tavares to a long-term deal before the end of the summer.

Belmont Park

Back in late April, there were many people chiming in that the New York Islanders and a new arena in Belmont Park would happen. The great Bob McKenzie tweeted out in April that all signs pointed to Belmont.

New York Islanders

In addition, Gary Bettman has said the Islanders, plan to bid on the RFP to build an arena at Belmont. On Monday, July 10th there will be a public hearing at Elmont Public Library on the redevelopment of Belmont Park.

The Islanders ownership group of Scott Malkin and Jonathan Ledecky need to bring positive news to the fan base by the end of the summer regarding the team moving to Belmont Park and therefore, returning to Long Island.

Returning Home

Simply put the Islanders need to come home. There is a reason why the blue and orange are called the Islanders.

While a huge thank you is owed to Brooklyn because without the Barclays Center, who knows what would have happened when the Isles lease ended at Nassau Coliseum.

Belmont Park would solve every major building issue. State of the art arena, no more train issues, and very accessible for Long Islanders. Ownership needs to make this a reality this summer.

Tavares Factor

All Islander fans are on baited breath as they wait for Tavares to ink an eight-year max contract with the Isles. Saying if Tavares left next summer would be heart-breaking is putting it mildly.

Ownership and General Manager, Garth Snow are on the same page, they want to make the captain an Islander for life. Tavares means more to the Isles than any other team in the league. Financially whatever it takes that’s what will be presented to the first-overall pick in 2009.

Last summer, Ledecky said Tavares isn’t going anywhere. He has to make sure that statement becomes fact.

Next: Too Early to Look at Isles Forward Lines

Ownership needs to get the arena talk ended once and for all. They also need to get their franchise player signed long-term. The time is now.