The New York Islanders finished the 2016-17 NHL season just a single point outside of the playoffs. They had a 28th ranked power play unit. They had free agents that took months to get up to speed. And the GM pulled odd move after odd move.
Not to mention the continuously evolving arena drama between Barclays and the Islanders and where they’ll play next. Will it be Queens, Brooklyn, or…who knows?
The Barclays Center doesn’t want the Islanders or at least doesn’t think they’ll be profitable in a few years. And the Islanders want a facility that won’t treat them like just a tenant.