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Syracuse Crunch owner Howard Dolgon has always wanted to become involved with an NHL team, and the possible sale of the New York Islanders could present an opportunity.

(Dick Blume | DBlume@Syracuse.com)

Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse Crunch owner Howard Dolgon said Friday night he will soon be speaking with a friend of his who has deep enough pockets to bankroll investigating a possible bid for the NHL's New York Islanders.

Dolgon would not identify the person but said the investor has "more money than most people.'' While Dolgon would also toss in some of his money, he said his possible interest would be in operating the team.

Multiple outlets have reported that current Islanders owner Charles Wang is in talks to sell his share of the team. Dolgon said he has met Wang but has had no talks with anyone yet about jumping into the bidding.

"Obviously I'd be interested to see if there is somebody to talk to,'' Dolgon said. "We (he and the investor) have had conversations about hypothetical opportunities. We've not yet had conversations about this, but we will. If this guy is interested, there is something there. We'll find out, right? You never know.''

From the day he brought the Crunch to Syracuse 20 years ago, Dolgon has said his ultimate goal is to own an NHL team. Dolgon has a home on Long Island close to where the team currently plays and is a native of Brooklyn, where the Islanders are relocating in 2015-16.

Dolgon has said he will never give up controlling interest in the Crunch and re-iterated that stance on Friday. If he became involved with the Islanders he could still operate the Crunch, although presumably Syracuse will remain in its long-term affiliate with current parent club Tampa Bay.

"I don't think it should be a problem,'' he said.

Dolgon had a passing chance to get in on the Islanders once before.

He said John Spano called him when he was putting together funding to buy the New York Islanders.

Spano wanted to meet with Dolgon, but Dolgon wasn't free at the time. Shortly thereafter, the infamous Spano was uncovered as a fraud that didn't have the assets to close the deal.