Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy officially will propose spending $250M for a "major renovation of the city's aging XL Center -- half of it over the next two years -- as he seeks to woo” an NHL team back to Hartford, according to a front-page piece by Kenneth Gosselin of the HARTFORD COURANT. State Office of Policy and Management Secretary Ben Barnes said that Malloy’s two-year capital plan -- to be unveiled tomorrow -- will include $50M in '18 and $75M in '19. The $250M renovation, which includes the “addition of a second concourse,” would be “key to attracting any NHL franchise to Hartford." But the renovations would "not guarantee” that a franchise will choose the XL Center. Malloy yesterday said that he spoke with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman several months ago “about the renovation plans." The call was “prompted by the state picking up on tensions” between the Islanders and Barclays Center. Malloy: “Listen, this is a long shot, but if you don't reach out and if you're not in the discussion, then you can't be considered." Gosselin notes even if the cost of the XL Center arena makeover is “spread out over four fiscal years, it is sure to face a battle in the legislature.” The renovation cost would “come on top" of $35M in a recent renovation. Another $3.5M is now “being spent for a new ice-making system under the hockey rink and other improvements” (HARTFORD COURANT, 2/7).
