On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: The Philadelphia Flyers moved up to the No. 2 pick in next months draft, and they’ll likely hold on to the pick according to GM Ron Hextall.
“I expect to pick,” Hextall said. “I don’t expect to move it, but never say never. We’d be doing the organization a disservice by not listening. We’ll listen and if something intriguing comes up we’ll talk about it, but I would anticipate making the pick.
“We better get the first or second-best player in the draft if we do make the pick. That’s obviously what you’re obviously trying to do. It’s not a perfect science, but I’m comfortable that our (scouts) have done their work.”
Sam Carchidi: GM Hextall didn’t dismiss the idea of adding former LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi to his front-office staff.
Dave Isaac: Hextall is waiting to hear back from Lombardi. The role that Lombardi would fill is unclear.
On the New York Islanders …
Jim Baumbach and Robert Brodsky of Newsday: Sources saying the Barclays Center has taken the first preliminary step in opting out of their lease with the New York Islanders. The Islanders were informed that the window to renegotiate the license agreement is now open, giving them until January 1st 2018 to renegotiate the deal. If a new deal isn’t signed by then, they can continue with the current terms or choose to opt out of the agreement.
If the Islanders want to opt out, they can leave after next season, or after the 2018-19 season. If Braclays triggers the opt out, the Islanders have to leave after the 2018-19 season.
Gary Bettman said last month that the Islanders are expected to make a bid to build an arena at Belmont Park.
The Islanders former home, Nassau Coliseum, just reopened after a $165 million renovation.