Darren Dreger of TSN reports that a match-up has been set up between the LA Kings and the New York Islanders for the Sprint Center in Kansas City in September.
We all know that exhibition games are played all the time in cities that don't have NHL franchises. That's the easy part...
The operator of the Sprint Center, which is still begging for a primary tenant, is the Anschutz Entertainment Group ((AEG)). AEG's Chief Operating Officer is Tim Leiweke. Leiweke is also the governor of the Kings.
No, the Kings aren't going to be the ones moving any time soon. AEG is also the operator of Staples Center- the home of the Kings, Clippers, and the Lakers. It might be the Islanders, though, if owner Charles Wang doesn't get his way.
The Nassau Coliseum on Long Island is a pothole. I really can't put it any nicer. All you have to do is ask any of the rats or plumbers that have taken up residences over the years. Wang has tried to float his "Lighthouse" project to improve the area- taking the 100 surrounding acres and converting it into an arena, mall, multi-purpose facility. The politicos in the area haven't quite given Wang any answers as to the Lighthouse's future.
Obviously, Wang doesn't like that... and what this is turning into is a warning shot across Long Island's bow on the whole. AEG has always looked for a primary for the building. They promised the Pittsburgh Penguins everything short of wives and mothers of children to move there before the new arena deal was reached.
So, now it's the Islanders turn. And they just moved to the front of the dance card.
Other franchises in trouble ((unless, of course, you listen to the NHL front office)) like Phoenix, Nashville, Miami, and Atlanta may have to move quickly and kiss up to AEG if they want a way out of their current situation in the attempt to improve it.
If Kansas City is taken off the map, then what is left for the other three...? Jim Balsillie's interest could take a franchise north of the border- which is where it should be in the first place. Waterloo, Hamilton, or Toronto II shouldn't matter- except in the perpetually, short-sighted eyes of the league office.
That takes care of another market... then what...? You're really stretching it, then.
And Charles Wang, through all of this, just became the belle of the ball.
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