Though the AHL Binghamton Senators have an agreement to stay in the city through '18-19, the "talk in AHL circles is the club is investigating relocating" to Yardman Arena in Belleville, Ont., for the '17-18 season, according to Bruce Garrioch of the OTTAWA SUN. If that happens, the belief is that the NHL Senators would "try not to leave Binghamton empty-handed because the AHL considers it a strong market." It is "quite possible another NHL team could move its affiliate to Binghamton if the Senators are successful in negotiations with the city of Belleville and a potential buyer." However, the "biggest stumbling block to get a deal in place would be Belleville city council's approval of millions of dollars in renovations to the arena." The belief is the Senators "aren't unhappy in Binghamton and wouldn't consider moving anywhere other than Belleville." Though Binghamton is an "excellent location for the Senators to hone their prospects, Belleville would be strong as well because it's located under three hours from Ottawa by car with no border to cross." Hockey fans there also "receive TSN's 50-plus regional broadcasts of the Senators" (OTTAWA SUN, 4/26). The SUN's Garrioch notes a potential move has been studied because Belleville City Council is "willing to spend the money to make upgrades to the Yardmen Arena." Not only would the rink "be downsized from an Olympic-sized surface, a new ice plant along with seating and private boxes could be put in the 3,200-seat facility, which may also have its attendance and space expanded." That likely "won’t all happen unless a sale of Binghamton is completed and a lease is signed" (OTTAWA SUN, 4/27).
