Bettman: Islanders owners 'looking very seriously' at arena options

Barclays Center does not appear to be a long-term solution for the New York Islanders.

Speaking Saturday at his annual All-Star weekend press conference, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman admitted the arena isn't equipped to create optimal ice conditions, and new team owners Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky are considering a move elsewhere in the New York area.

Well, the owners are committed to the franchise. They're committed to New York and the great fan base that has followed the Islanders. There are some issues about playing in Barclays. It may be fundamental to the system, and that's not something that can be fixed in the short term. I think as is prudent, Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky are reviewing the situation and looking very seriously at what their options are.

Several players have complained about the ice conditions, while a report emerged earlier this season stating the arena's piping system doesn't meet NHL's requirements.

The Islanders can reportedly opt out of Barclays Center after the 2017-18 season, and the club was believed to be eyeing different spots around New York in which to build a new arena as recently as July.

The Islanders have called Barclays Center home since the beginning of 2015-16 after moving to Brooklyn from Nassau County's Veterans Memorial Coliseum.