Lighthouse Hockey, a New York Islanders community

Jones Lang LaSalle, the project management company for the upcoming $500 million renovation of Madison Square Garden, has begun work on a feasibility study for an Islanders arena at Willets Point -- the property surrounding Citi Field, the second-year home of the Mets.

In 1972, when the Islanders joined the N.H.L., the $4.5 million territorial fee they paid the Rangers gave them the right to occupy only Nassau County. But a 1986 amendment to the agreement allowed the Islanders to move to Queens and Brooklyn, and within Nassau and Suffolk counties.

During the summer’s court proceedings involving the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes and their prospective move to Hamilton, Ontario, an old memo to the league from the Leafs emerged that may have indicated that club officials believed they had veto power over such a move, because Hamilton lies with the Leafs’ designated territory.

But even if the Leafs do believe that, Daly said, it wouldn’t matter. "They can be dead-set against it, but that doesn’t mean they can stop the league from putting a franchise here if the league thinks a franchise here makes sense,"

"If I did PR for those Queens politicans [sic] and Chamber of Commerce folks, I’d recommend they show up at the Marriott on Thursday and let everyone know in a big way the Islanders are welcomed there."

The U.S. Tennis Association insists it's exploring a roof only to end rain delays at the 23,733-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium - but the Queens Chamber of Commerce views it as a shot to bring a second pro hockey club to the city.