Since Eugene Melnyk, the former owner of the Ottawa Senators, passed away, there has been much discussion about who will own the team going forward. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced today that bidding for the Senators has opened, and applications have been submitted.
Due to the interest of Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds in purchasing the Ottawa Senators through a consortium ownership group, the process has become very public. Following a meeting with the NHL commissioner and deputy commissioner, both men expressed interest in Reynolds joining this or another NHL ownership group.
A deal to be made is subject to two conditions, namely that the Ottawa Senators will not be moved from the city of Ottawa and a land deal will be struck and a new arena built on the LeBreton Flats in the downtown core.