Joe’s Still Got Wings

The NHL’s Detroit Red Wings aren’t likely to fly out of their home Joe Louis Arena before next season, according to team owner Mike Ilitch.

The Red Wings’ lease at the aging Joe expires in June and officials were rumored to be in talks to sign a three-year lease with the nearby Palace of Auburn Hills while a new venue is built.

However, Ilitch said during a recent interview on Detroit radio station WXYT that the market to finance a new venue is weak and the team will “probably play their games” at the Joe next year.

“It takes time to get things done. Things are pretty complicated,” he said. “There are options on what we can do.”

One option could be a short-term lease, according to Crain’s Detroit Business, which would likely contain language that would allow the team to make an easy exit from the Joe should a new venue materialize.