Nothing to calm the discontent among many Ottawa Senators fans, owner Michael Andlauer admitted that he himself would have liked to see Patrick Roy join his organization.
“I really like Patrick Roy, he’s a very good hockey man. In his DNA, he is a true champion, first described Andlauer, in an interview with radio station 104.7, in Outaouais. We could see it with the Remparts. For me, personally, I regret it a little. It’s a question of timing.”
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Andlauer, whose purchase of the Senators was approved in September by the NHL’s board of governors, was clearly thinking of reaching an agreement with Roy at the end of this season. Admitting to having spoken with the main interested party in recent months, he missed the opportunity since Roy was hired last weekend as head coach of the New York Islanders. The famous number 33 will also be in Montreal to face the Canadian on Thursday evening.
“My intention this year was to observe and learn,” said Andlauer. I never thought I would have to make so many changes so quickly. We made a very good change recently with Jacques Martin to give structure to the team and the organization… The timing was not there [pour Patrick Roy]I would have liked to watch this at the end of the year and personally, I would have liked Patrick Roy to be one of the people for us.
The door remains open
The words of Andlauer, who has demonstrated transparency, are surprising. At the same time, he did not rule out the possibility of calling on Roy in the future.
“We’ll see… The future is long,” said the owner of the Senators, knowing full well that the former CH goaltender could be linked to the Islanders for many years. I am here [comme propriétaire des Sénateurs] for only four or five months.”
“I am a big fan of Patrick Roy and I wish him all the best,” noted Andlauer, still on the airwaves of 104.7 Outaouais. He’s one of the best hockey people in the league.”