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Islanders new co-owner Jon Ledecky addressed the media for the first time since he and Scott Malkin officially took control of the team from Charles Wang on July 1.
Ledecky covered a variety of topics. The most important, being that the team will continue to spend money.
"There are no financial constraints on Garth and the team. So if we need to be cap-max to compete for a Stanley Cup, we will be cap-max, If there are other places we need to spend money…there are no constraints."
There will not be any more keeping newly drafted first-round picks (Josh Bailey and Nino Niederreiter) on the roster to get to the salary cap floor. They will not be trading for a Tim Thomas to absorb his AAV to get to the cap floor.
"We want the New York Islanders to be a destination in free agency and we want the Stanley Cup to be lifted by our captain John Tavares whether it's this year, next year or five years from now."
The team added just north of $44 million at the start of free agency with the additions of Andrew Ladd, Jason Chimera and P.A. Parenteau. The team is just under $4 million below the cap.
He also said that he will not interfere in hockey operations. Ledecky will let Garth Snow focus on the on-ice product, while he will concentrate on maximizing the fan experience at the arena, and making an impact on the community.
“I think every day we think about [what] we have to work with Barclays to make that experience better for the fans. If we do that, then we have a great relationship moving forward in this partnership. And we’re partners.”
However, Ledecky did set the bar for Snow and head coach Jack Capuano.
"The standard this year has to be we've got to win the 2nd round and go to the 3rd round. Eventually, you've got to win the Stanley Cup."
Ledecky put the rest the rumors of the team playing six games at the newly-renovated Nassau Coliseum. The lease signed in 2013 between the County and the Nassau Events Center, headed by Bruce Ratner, included a clause that called for the Islanders to play six games (four regular season, two preseason) per season.
“I think the key is neither party’s principal [representative] was there when that deal was made. In other words, that deal was between Bruce Ratner and Charles Wang at the time and now we’re the owners of the Islanders.”
Ledecky also stated the the team will remain in Brooklyn for the long term, saying "Barclays is our home." Both the arena and the team have the ability to opt out of their 25-year lease agreement after the 2018-19 season. I do not see Barclays exercising their opt out.
On the selfish side, Ledecky also shot down rumors of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers moving to the Island. “We are happy in Bridgeport and we have a deal that goes another five or six years.” I am happy as well. Bridgeport is ten minutes from my house.
Ledecky will have a question and answer with a Islanders fans tonight at Barclays Center.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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