New York Islanders Could Find Out About Belmont In Three Weeks

The decision on who wins the Belmont RFP could make or break the New York Islanders season. Regardless of their success on the ice. It seems like a decision might not be too far away.

There’s a lot riding on the success of the Belmont RFP process for the New York Islanders. Not only would it represent long-term financial stability for a franchise that hasn’t had that in a very long time, but it could also ease up some of their current pressures.

Like resigning captain John Tavares to an extension.

We’re all well aware of the fact that John Tavares is sitting on the last year of his most recent deal.  A five-year deal paying him $5.5 million per year. And once that deal is done. He’s an unrestricted free agent, with the ability to go where ever he’d like.

Just the thought of JT leaving is absolutely nightmare fuel for anyone who cheers on the Blue and Orange. We all remember the collective shudder when we say that photoshopped Tavares wearing a Rangers sweater from ESPN.

No one outside of John Tavares, Pat Brisson (his agent) and perhaps Garth Snow and John Ledecky/Scott Malkin know why John Tavares has yet to sign his extension. He won’t stop telling anyone with ears or a microphone that he wants to stay in Long Island. So why wait?

Belmont, The Cure

We might not have to wait too much longer. According to Newsday’s Jim Baumbach, the Belmont situation might be resolved in less than three weeks.

I’ve long said that the reason Tavares is waiting for Belmont. The playing roster should be good enough to keep him here. Although the developments with the goaltending and the defence sure aren’t helping me with that last point.

But that stuff, ie: playing roster, is addressable at any point in the season. Getting a hockey first arena that caters to the needs of the franchise both now and in the future can’t be done so easily.

If the New York Islanders do indeed obtain the rights to build a new arena at Belmont, that should be enough to convince JT to at least begin negotiation with the team, or sign actually sign that massive eight-year extension we all think he’s going to get.

And rightfully so.

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So now we wait in anticipation that the New York Islanders win the Belmont RFP and that it leads to a Tavares signature. It would be great if this happened before the New Year, just to say we started 2018 on a real positive note.