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Report: Islanders increasingly likely to leave Long Island in future

New York Islanders Management Wait for New Arena Voter Referendum Results

as the New York Islanders management waits for the new arena voter referendum results on August 1, 2011 in Uniondale, New York.

Andy Marlin

The Phoenix Coyotes perpetually dominate relocation rumors, but don’t sleep on the New York Islanders, either.

CBS’ Brian Stubits passes along word from B.D. Gallof that the Islanders’ chances of sticking around the Long Island area after their lease expires keep dwindling.

In other words, barring a miracle, Nassau is done as an Islanders option come 2015. That wreckage and loss, when the Isles cease to be a county taxpayer, will be left piled on many a politician’s feet that no amount of partisan rhetoric will be able to quell. In fact, despite that lark of a referendum, there were severe questions asked of the public vote and the viability of Nassau County to offer anything even before it was held.

Sharing the New Jersey-turned-Brooklyn Nets’ venue seems like a logical move - it saves the moving trucks some gas, makes it possible for locals to still follow the team to an extent - but it would be far from the only option for the franchise if Nassau County loses the team as the signs seem to point to.

A lot can change by 2015, but most reports indicate that the Islanders’ time in Long Island is drawing close to an end.