Sens army HQ

[phil235]

Originally Posted by OTSkyline

I hope a plaza for outdoor viewing parties is included. A great way to increase team spirit and fanbase for those who can't necessarily afford to buy $100+ tickets to attend games. Edmonton has done it and recent pictures make it seem like a great time!

I think I see two Puljujarvi jerseys in that crowd. Yikes!

A plaza/square should be a non-negotiable element of any development.

[Harley613]

Originally Posted by phil235

I think I see two Puljujarvi jerseys in that crowd. Yikes!

A plaza/square should be a non-negotiable element of any development.

Absolutely. Far better idea to put the arena in a place where we can have a plaza than shoehorning the arena into a postage stamp sized lot with a body of water a few meters in front of the doors. The DND site idea is frankly quite idiotic.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by coxim

While the DND site may not offer much room for commercial development, its proximity to major attractions like the Rideau Centre and Parliament Hill could make it an attractive location for a new arena. However, gaining the necessary approvals for construction, particularly considering the site's proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal, could pose significant challenges.

Can we lay for rest once and for all the idea that there is any issue building across the street from a UNESCO world heritage site. It's supposed to be the right that is afraid of a UN world government. If you look at has been done to some sites we could fill half of it in and only be added to the (very long) under threat list.

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

The San Jose Sharks want to start a rebuild and are willing to trade Eric Karlson. He still owns a house in Ottawa and his wife is from here. He has said that he would consider returning to Ottawa. He is 33 and has a $11.5 million dollar salary. Should the Sens be interested?

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by LeadingEdgeBoomer

The San Jose Sharks want to start a rebuild and are willing to trade Eric Karlson. He still owns a house in Ottawa and his wife is from here. He has said that he would consider returning to Ottawa. He is 33 and has a $11.5 million dollar salary. Should the Sens be interested?

• Video Link

Jason York is a former Sens player and the brother of Jeff York, CEO of Farm Boy and soon to be super minority owner of the Sens.

[J.OT13]

Shake-up begins. One has to wonder why Andlauer informed him he would not be part of the future of the franchise. From what we've seen, LeBlanc has done a great job selling tickets, getting the business community engaged and champion the LeBreton deal. Hopefully Andlauer was only ready to let him go because he has someone else in mind, and not because he found something that displeased him (for example, the LeBreton deal).

Getting Leeder back in could bode well for LeBreton as he already has a relationship with the NCC. RVL collapsed after Leeder was fired.

GARRIOCH: Ottawa Senators top executive Anthony LeBlanc resigns from front office post

Bruce Garrioch, Postmedia
Published Jul 10, 2023

New ownership hasn’t even arrived yet and the changes have already started in the Ottawa Senators front office.

Anthony LeBlanc, the club’s president of business operations, informed the three-person board running the Senators on behalf of the estate of late Eugene Melnyk on the weekend he was resigning effective immediately.

LeBlanc confirmed his departure in a text message to Postmedia on Monday morning and that he was “leaving on good terms.”

The longtime Ottawa resident took over the post during the pandemic in April 2020 and has worked hard with the sales staff to help increase the club’s season-ticket base.

The decision by LeBlanc to move on before the sale of the Senators has been formally completed isn’t a major surprise.

The Senators were sold to Toronto billionaire Michael Andlauer June 13 for $950 million US. The paperwork is still being worked on for the sale and isn’t expected to close until September, but the belief is Andlauer will make changes when he does take over.

Andlauer spent Thursday in the club’s office and the talk is he may have informed LeBlanc then that a change was on the way. Andlauer was spotted standing with general manager Pierre Dorion and the club’s hockey operations staff at the wrap up of development camp at the Bell Sensplex.

There have been whispers in league circles that former Senators president Cyril Leeder may return to his role with the club once the ink is dry on Andlauer’s purchase of the club.

Leeder, 63, played a key role as an advisor in Andlauer’s successful bid to purchase the Senators. An executive at the Myers’ Automotive Group, Leeder is one of the founders of the club along with Ottawa businessman Bruce Firestone and league executive Randy Sexton.

Leeder played key roles in the front office from 1992 until he was let go by Melnyk in Jan. 2017. If Andlauer wants someone with a deep knowledge of the way this city works, then Leeder would be an easy fix to try to help get the business community back on board with the franchise.

Not only did Leeder help lead this club in the role of president, he also helped the organization win the bid to build a rink at LeBreton Flats the first time the late Melnyk went through the process in 2016 with the National Capital Commission.

The Senators have preferred bidder status to build a new rink and hotel on seven acres of land at LeBreton in June 2022. The club is working on a lease agreement for the space that has been extended until Andlauer has the chance to get in the office to take a close look at the agreement.

But the belief is Leeder still has all the plans from the rink and the district around that Melnyk planned to build because of the major role he played trying to help the franchise move closer to downtown.

Bringing Leeder back is just a natural fit if Andlauer wants to go that route.

The expectation is Andlauer also will consider bringing back former Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson to play a key role in the club’s hockey operations. The belief is the organization would like the Hockey Hall of Famer to help with player development and in an advisory role.

Having Leeder back in the organization would help Alfredsson carve out that role because the two have a strong relationship. In fact, Leeder was on hand as an invited guest of Alfredsson’s during the induction ceremony in Toronto last November.

Losing LeBlanc at this time won’t help preparations for next season, but it doesn’t make sense for him to stick around either? A former part-owner of the Arizona Coyotes, LeBlanc’s fiancee still lives in the Phoenix area and this allows him to take a few months to figure out what’s next.

LeBlanc did a good job of working hard with the business community to try to get them back on board with the club. He also worked with Mark Goudie at the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group to help lead a successful bid for the 2025 IIHF world junior championship.

This is the right decision by LeBlanc if he saw no future for himself in the franchise. It allows him to leave on his own terms and know he’s leaving behind an organization that has made strides.

Erin Crowe, the club’s chief operating officer, remains in her role and there’s no reason to make a change there because she was hand-picked by Melnyk when he knew he was in a difficult battle with his illness.

Director of marketing Tom Hoof, who was brought in by Leeder, also left his post last week so Andlauer will have holes to fill once he takes over.

Work continues between lawyers for Andlauer and the estate to try to get the deal done so there can be a smooth transition before camp.

https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/executive-anthony-leblanc-resigns

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by LeadingEdgeBoomer

The San Jose Sharks want to start a rebuild and are willing to trade Eric Karlson. He still owns a house in Ottawa and his wife is from here. He has said that he would consider returning to Ottawa. He is 33 and has a $11.5 million dollar salary. Should the Sens be interested?

They are rebuilding too so would be strange trade other than to placate fans which might make it worth it.

[YOWflier]

They haven’t the cap space for this even if they wanted to, which they shouldn’t. Chabot would likely need to go the other way and SJ would need to retain salary.

[lrt's friend]

The Sens need a decent goaltender. Until we get one, we are not going to the playoffs.

[DTcrawler]

Originally Posted by lrt's friend

The Sens need a decent goaltender. Until we get one, we are not going to the playoffs.

We just need consistently average goaltending and the rest of the roster should be able to do the rest (though the loss of Debrincat does leave a hole to be filled at forward).

As long as the trio of Korpisalo, Forsberg, and Sogaard stay mostly healthy and can put up numbers anywhere above .908 most nights, I think we should have a good chance.

I'd say goaltending has been adequately addressed this offseason, I think the attention should be placed on adding forward depth.

[YOWflier]

The Senators have created a group tour for the upcoming games in Sweden . It’s called “Official Ottawa Senators Global Series Fan Tour 2023”. If you’re a STH you should’ve received an email.

Pre-arranged flights using the YOW AF flight, transfers, hotels, excursions, game(s) tickets of course, etc. There are 2 packages to consider. Currently it’s in STH pre-sale but opens up to the public soon.

[J.OT13]

Ottawa Senators prospect Jorian Donovan on Michael Andlauer: "I can't really put into words how great a person he really is."

Bruce Garrioch, Postmedia
Published Jul 04, 2023

Jorian Donovan will be suiting up for a team owned by Michael Andlauer next season, no matter what happens at training camp.

While it will likely be the Ontario Hockey League’s Brantford Bulldogs, never say never because the Ottawa Senators prospect defenceman plans to put his best foot forward to make the National Hockey League club in September.

Though a lot of people in the organization will be vying to make strong first impressions when Andlauer, the club’s incoming owner, takes the reins of the Senators sometime in September, Donovan, 19, is one of the few people in Ottawa who has history with the Toronto billionaire.

This is a unique opportunity for Donovan.

Drafted by the Senators No. 122 overall in the fifth round in 2022, Donovan has patrolled the blueline for Andlauer’s Hamilton Bulldogs for the last two years. That club will relocate to Brantford for next season while renovations take place at the former Copps Coliseum — now known as FirstOntario Centre — in Hamilton.

Donovan has witnessed first-hand what it’s like to play for a club owned by Andlauer and is confident that, when the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed on the $950-million (all figures US) deal to purchase the Senators from the Melnyk estate, the good people of Ottawa will be happy.

“He’s a great, great guy,” Donovan said during a break in the Senators development camp taking place this week at the Bell Sensplex. “Honestly, I’m super happy for the team’s sake as well to have a guy like (Andlauer) who is super down-to-earth, loves hockey and loves people.

“He’s an awesome guy. He’s been around the room all the time in Hamilton and loves to get to know people. He’s given us everything we need. He’s treated the Hamilton Bulldogs like a pro team, which is incredible. I can’t really put into words how great a person he really is.”

Andlauer agreed to the deal to purchase the Senators on June 13. He spent a couple of days at the Canadian Tire Centre a week after the agreement was reached to meet with general manager Pierre Dorion, chief financial officer Erin Crowe and Anthony LeBlanc, president of business operations.

Since Andlauer was in town for a couple of days, he sat down with former captain Daniel Alfredsson to get to know him. No promises were made, but there’s likely a role in hockey operations for Alfie once the dust has settled on the sale and Andlauer’s group has formally taken over.

He remains a bit of a mystery to people in Ottawa because there are restrictions on Andlauer speaking publicly until the sale is completed and approved by the NHL board of governors. Andlauer also has to sell his minority share in the Montreal Canadiens.

“The setup (in Hamilton) is unbelievable,” Donovan said. “The facilities (in Hamilton) include any equipment and any accessories you need; they have it all. The training staff came from the pro level and the coaches all played pro.

“Everything they have there, and the organization as a whole, is just super well put together.”

Andlauer spends plenty of time around the rink and, though he has been described by many as a low-key figure, he wants the best for everybody so the team can have success.

“He’s always there. Whether it was after practices or after games you’d see him come to the rink, checking in on guys and seeing how the team has been doing,” Donovan added. “As an owner, you usually don’t see too many and he’s a guy that will come around to see you.

“He’s just a nice person in general. He loves being around people, so he’s a guy you can have a good conversation with and kind of connect to.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe noted after he met with Andlauer that they had a good conversation and were excited at what the future could hold.

“We’re moving to Brantford, and he’s already put a bit of money into that rink, which is good to see that he’s willing to provide to the players and the team,” Donovan said. “He’s going to be great for the city.

“He’s a face that’s going to be here that people will love and want to be around just because of how good a person he is.”

Donovan hasn’t reached out to Andlauer since the deal was agreed upon, but he will get the chance to see him at camp in September.

Jorian Donovan is the son of Senators’ director of player development and former NHL player Shean Donovan.

Jorian Donovan, a solid blueliner, suited up for 64 games with Hamilton last season. He finished with three goals and 19 assists for 22 points in 64 games.

He hasn’t skated at development camp because he was injured during the testing portion and doctors needed to take a further look.

He will spend the summer getting ready for rookie camp and working out at the Canadian Tire Centre.

[email protected]

Twitter.com/sungarrioch

https://ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/...-words-how-a-great-a-person-he-really-is

[rocketphish]

New owner Michael Andlauer poised to take over Ottawa Senators in early September

Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Citizen
Published Aug 14, 2023 • 4 minute read

The sale of the Ottawa Senators is in its final stages and the keys to the Canadian Tire Centre could be in Michael Andlauer’s hands early next month.

Two months after the Toronto billionaire reached a deal in principle to purchase the Senators from the estate of the late Eugene Melnyk for $950 million US, the paperwork to officially complete the sale is close to crossing the finish line.

League sources told Postmedia on Monday that the NHL hopes to have the agreement to hand over the team to Andlauer signed by the end of the month or in early September at the latest.

Sources say Andlauer, 57, is expected to meet with the NHL’s executive committee.

That group is led by commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy Bill Daly, along with Mark Chipman (Winnipeg), Jeremy Jacobs (Boston), Craig Leipold (Minnesota), Ted Leonsis (Washington), Henry Samueli (Anaheim), Larry Tanenbaum (Toronto) and Jeff Vinik (Tampa Bay).

Sources say Andlauer is hoping to have his 10% share of the Canadiens sold soon.

Though there was speculation André Desmarais of Montreal-based PowerCorp would buy the shares, the belief is Habs president and chief executive officer Geoff Molson, who also sits on the NHL’s executive committee, may purchase them instead.

If the share in the Habs hasn’t been sold by the time the Ottawa deal is completed, a source said it will be placed in trust and “it will be business as usual” for Andlauer in his new role as the owner of the Senators.

Once he gets approval from the NHL’s executive committee and the paperwork is done, Bettman will then hold a conference call with the full board of governors. Andlauer needs two-thirds approval, but that will be a formality and the vote will be unanimous.

Representatives of the Melnyk estate and New York-based sports banker Galatioto Sports Partners reached an agreement in principle with Andlauer’s group June 13 to bring closure to a lengthy auction process, that included four final bids for the franchise.

Since then, there has been a lot of work taking place behind the scenes, including getting a completed purchase agreement in place. Sources say that has taken place but now the NHL’s head office is completing its due diligence on Andlauer and his partners before signing off on the sale.

Andlauer’s partners in the deal include:

• Anna and Olivia Melnyk have opted to retain a 10% share in the franchise.
• Local businessman Jeff York, a partner in Farm Boy, and his 20-plus local investors are involved.
• The Malhotra family, owners of Ottawa home builder Claridge Homes, are also involved.
• Yorkville Asset Management, a Toronto-based investment group, is also believed be playing a role in the financing of the purchase.
• Paul and Michael Paletta of Burlington-based Alinea Group holdings.
• Oshawa Generals owner Rocco Tullio is also believed to be involved with Andlauer’s group.

All of Andlauer’s partners have to be vetted by the league before the sale is closed. The belief is he’s told his partners to have the money in place and be ready to execute this deal on Aug. 31.

A source cautioned that dates in this process have always been “moving parts” and it may take “an extra week or two.”

Since agreeing to buy the Senators, Andlauer has been kept abreast of the changes the organization has made.

He’s in regular contact with the club’s three-person board of directors, led by governor Sheldon Plener and has kept in touch with Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion.

Make no mistake, Andlauer would have been made aware of the return the club was getting for winger Alex DeBrincat before he was dealt to the Detroit Red Wings in mid-July and the decision to sign unrestricted free-agent winger Vladimir Tarasenko to a one-year, $5-million contract.

Andlauer has made at least four visits to the Canadian Tire Centre to get a first-hand look at the operation. He was on hand for the wrap up of the club’s development camp last month and was in town as recently as last week to sit down with chief financial officer Erin Crowe.

Postmedia reported in June that Andlauer sat down with former Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson to discuss a job with the Senators. The talk in hockey circles is the 50-year-old Hockey Hall of Famer would like to play a role in the club’s player development.

It’s expected that will be the case once the sale is closed.

There have been whispers that former Senators president Cyril Leeder may return to his role with the club once the ink is dry on Andlauer’s purchase of the club. Anthony LeBlanc, the club’s president of business operations, resigned last month.

Leeder, 63, played a key role as an adviser in Andlauer’s successful bid to purchase the Senators. An executive at the Myers’ Automotive Group, Leeder is one of the Senators’ founders along with Ottawa businessman Bruce Firestone and league executive Randy Sexton.

[email protected]
twitter.com/sungarrioch

https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/...er-poised-to-take-over-sens-in-september

[J.OT13]

Not a whole lot of new info, but glad to see some movement and a tentative timeline for the final transfer. Let's just hope it doesn't drag on for months past that like the sale itself.

[rocketphish]

Michael Andlauer approved by NHL's executive committee to buy Ottawa Senators

Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Citizen
Published Aug 26, 2023 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 4 minute read

Michael Andlauer has cleared another hurdle in the purchase of the Ottawa Senators and is closing in on officially becoming the team’s new owner.

National Hockey League sources told Postmedia on Saturday that the 58-year-old Andlauer met with the NHL’s executive committee last week and was given the green light to move ahead with his purchase of the Senators from the estate of the late Eugene Melnyk for $950 million (all figures U.S.).

The executive committee is led by commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy Bill Daly, along with owners Mark Chipman (Winnipeg), Geoff Molson (Montreal), Jeremy Jacobs (Boston), Craig Leipold (Minnesota), Ted Leonsis (Washington), Henry Samueli (Anaheim), Larry Tanenbaum (Toronto) and Jeff Vinik (Tampa Bay).

A source said, “all is good” and the sale “is on track” to be completed in the coming days.

Now all that remains is for lawyers to dot the i’s and cross the t’s before Andlauer and his consortium can officially complete the purchase of the Senators along with the Canadian Tire Centre and the 75 acres the facility sits on in Kanata.

Once the paperwork is done and signed, the NHL’s board of governors will approve the sale of the Senators to Andlauer. No call is scheduled at this point, but one could be arranged quickly. The sale needs two-thirds approval from the board; however, it’s expected the vote will be unanimous.

The owners of the NHL’s other 31 franchises are already familiar with Andlauer, who sits as an alternative governor for the Montreal Canadiens. Sources say he’s hoping to complete a sale of his 10-per-cent share in that club to Molson soon, but, if that doesn’t happen, that share will simply be placed in trust.

Representatives of the Melnyk estate and New York-based sports banker Galatioto Sports Partners reached an agreement in principle with Andlauer’s group on June 13 following a lengthy auction process that included four final bids for the franchise.

Since then, there has been a lot of work behind the scenes, including getting a purchase agreement in place. Sources say the NHL head office has completed its due diligence on Andlauer and his partners.

Since agreeing to buy the Senators, Andlauer has been kept abreast of changes in the organization. He’s in regular contact with the three-person board of directors, led by governor Sheldon Plener, and has kept in touch with general manager Pierre Dorion.

Once Andlauer officially takes over, it’s expected he’ll make additions to the front office, including bringing back former president Cyril Leeder to run the business side of the operation.

Anthony LeBlanc, the club’s president of business operations, resigned last month.

Leeder, 63, played a significant role as an adviser in Andlauer’s purchase bid. An executive at the Myers’ Automotive Group, Leeder is one of the Senators franchise founders, along with Ottawa businessman Bruce Firestone and league executive Randy Sexton.

Postmedia reported in June that Andlauer sat down with former Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson to discuss a job with the Senators. The talk in hockey circles is that Alfredsson, a 50-year-old Hockey Hall of Famer, would like to play a role in player development.

Indications are Alfredsson has had more than one discussion with Andlauer since the initial get-together in Ottawa two months ago and the talk in league circles is that it would be no surprise to see the best player in franchise history join the front office.

Alfredsson has stated publicly he’d like to play a “meaningful role” in the front office. He was a senior advisor from 2015 to 2017.

Andlauer, a health-care executive and owner of the Ontario Hockey League’s Brantford Bulldogs, has also rented a home in Ottawa and plans to spend a significant amount of time here with his family while also maintaining his residence in Toronto.

Andlauer is scheduled to be a guest speaker at Mayor Mark Sutcliffe’s breakfast series on Sept. 14 at Ottawa City Hall. That will be cancelled if the sale of the Senators isn’t completed by then, but it’s believed everything should be in place in the next 10 days to two weeks.

Andlauer’s partners in the deal include:
• Anna and Olivia Melnyk, Eugene Melnyk’s daughters, have opted to retain a 10-per-cent share in the franchise.
• Local businessman Jeff York, a partner in Farm Boy, and his 20-plus local investors.
• The Malhotra family, owners of Ottawa home builder Claridge Homes.
• Paul and Michael Paletta of Burlington-based Alinea Group holdings, who have been partnered with Andlauer since he initially pursued the franchise last November.
• Oshawa Generals owner Rocco Tullio is also believed to be involved with Andlauer’s group.

While it had been believed Toronto-based Yorkville Asset Management would also be a partner in the purchase, league sources say that won’t be the case. The two sides couldn’t come to an agreement. As a result, Andlauer brought in other partners.

[email protected]
Twitter.com/sungarrioch

https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/...wcm/dc5ffad8-79c3-477e-b882-749c31883b60

[Djeffery]

Bruce Garrioch was also a guest on the Bob McCown podcast on Friday. Didn't really have much new to say, and the general topic was the league in general so only a few minutes spent on Ottawa.

[J.OT13]

Ottawa Senators give $75,000 to Ottawa Food Bank after donations drop

Ted Raymond, CTV News Ottawa
August 23, 2023

https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-senator...food-bank-after-donations-drop-1.6531970

[Tesladom]

There are currently 2 active "proposals" for new multi-function arena spaces in Ottawa (Lansdowne 8000-ish seats and 18000-ish NHL). The argument to build 2 facilities is that there's a perception that we need to have a smaller facilities for B events like 67's, basketball, smaller concerts and now women's hockey.
I would argue that we could simply build a single 18000 seat facility and reconfigure it to about 8000 seats using a false ceiling that moves vertically or dropping a dome over the lower level.
When the ceiling is dropped down, you would feel like you are in a smaller venue since none of the upper bowl(s) would be visible. The venue would also be a true multi-function arena and concert area, that could be used 200+ nights per year, great return on the investment and also good for surrounding businesses

Very crude idea of what I'm talking about here:

[J.OT13]

Although I was advocating for the 67s and Sens to share an arena (when I thought maybe OSEG would be involved in the purchase, which we now know is not the case), I think Lansdowne needs to keep its 5.5k arena to support it. It really is the arena that's keeping it alive, and not the football stadium used maybe 30 times a year in the summer.

The other advantage of having two separate venues is date availability. Everyone wants Thursday, Friday Saturday. With only one venue, those prime dates are very limited.

I could see both venues host close to 200 events a year, for a total of 400. Can't do that with just one arena.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by Tesladom

There are currently 2 active "proposals" for new multi-function arena spaces in Ottawa (Lansdowne 8000-ish seats and 18000-ish NHL). The argument to build 2 facilities is that there's a perception that we need to have a smaller facilities for B events like 67's, basketball, smaller concerts and now women's hockey.
I would argue that we could simply build a single 18000 seat facility and reconfigure it to about 8000 seats using a false ceiling that moves vertically or dropping a dome over the lower level.
When the ceiling is dropped down, you would feel like you are in a smaller venue since none of the upper bowl(s) would be visible. The venue would also be a true multi-function arena and concert area, that could be used 200+ nights per year, great return on the investment and also good for surrounding businesses

I'm not sure about the technical feasibility of this plan, but I don't think that an 18000 seat arena is ever going to feel appropriate for the 3-5k events that a Lansdowne arena would be targeting. I'm sure the drop ceiling would make it better, but it is still a wrong-sized venue trying to pretend that it is smaller.

A bigger issue would be that the nights are going to conflict. You start with the Sens taking at least 45-50 nights between October and April, many of which will be prime, plus blocking off a bunch more dates in April and May for potential playoff dates. You then add in the concerts, figure skating and other events (including longer events like the world juniors or the Brier or tennis or volleyball) that the Sens owners are counting on for revenue. That leaves the other teams with pretty slim pickings in terms of prime and weekend dates. While you could probably manage it with just the 67s, it is going to impact their bottom line, as will the rent at an NHL sized arena. If you try to add a women's pro team, they are really going to get a bad set of dates. As for the other events that OSEG is currently attracting to TD Place, forget it.

My view - this market can support the two venues. Without that mid-sized arena, we are going to lose out on lots of events. We also lose a community rink that is quite busy when OSEG isn't using it.