NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said today recent reports that owners of the Islanders are looking to unload the team are untrue.
Bettman, delivering his state of the league prior to the start of the Stanley Cup Finals in Chicago, said the Los Angeles Kings also are not for sale.
About clubs looking to reorganize or change owners, Bettman said: “This whole subject gets more attention than it deserves.”
Earlier this month, the Mets, owned by the Wilpon family, acknowledged they had talked to Islanders owner Charles Wang about a possible deal.
“We’ve had discussions with the Islanders … about building a sports/entertainment facility near Citi Field,” the Mets said in a statement May 12.
Reports said Jeff Wilpon admitted it was possible he could buy the team.
The Islanders have been trying to get local government to approve a development plan that would give the team a new arena to replace Nassau Coliseum. Wang has become frustrated by lack of action on his proposal and said last fall that he would explore all options — including relocation.
Bettman said the league is “not now dealing with any franchise going out of business or moving,” and he expressed hope that such speculation will soon stop.
Confirming that an offer for financially troubled club Phoenix was made by investors in Winnipeg, where the franchise was located first, Bettman said he expects the sale of the Coyotes to take place this summer.
Bettman also denied speculation the salary cap would drastically decrease next season, saying it could rise by about $2 million.