After months of negotiations, the National Hockey League (NHL) finally approved the sale of the Ottawa Senators to businessman Michael Andlauer for a record amount on Thursday.
According to “Ottawa Sun” journalist Bruce Garrioch, the check for $950 million given for the purchase represents unheard of for the NHL. The Senators are expected to officially introduce the new owner during a press conference at the Canadian Tire Center later this week.
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In a letter to fans, Andlauer said he intends to make the Senators a winning team. He hailed “the best audience in the NHL,” believing that Ottawa had been in the shadow of metropolises like Montreal and Toronto for too long.
“We are a team that operates between two large hockey markets and they both believe that they are the center of the hockey universe. I have been an underdog my whole life and I know we have the team, staff, fans and community to prove them wrong,” he wrote.
Andlauer’s comments are surprising, since until very recently he was a minority owner of the Montreal Canadiens. The 57-year-old also owns the Hamilton Bulldogs, a team in the Ontario Junior League (OHL).
“My partners and I may be the owners of the team on paper, but in fact this team belongs to the people of Ottawa-Gatineau,” he continued. I promise to take care of your team with the utmost respect, with unfailing integrity and with enormous attention, both on and off the ice.
A long process
The agreement in principle between the Andlauer group and the firm Galatioto Sports Partners, which was negotiating for the succession of Eugene Melnyk, was concluded on June 13. The former owner’s daughters will retain 10% of the organization’s shares.
“On behalf of the estate, Anna and Olivia Melnyk and the outgoing Board of Directors, we would like to congratulate Michael Andlauer on his purchase of the Ottawa Senators,” added outgoing President and Governor Sheldon Plener. Michael’s passion and dedication to excellence will allow him to do great things for the entire National Capital Region and we are proud to see him lead this franchise into the future.”
Outside of hockey, the businessman is the founder and CEO of Andlauer Healthcare Group. He knew how to surround himself with investors with deep pockets like himself, which allowed him to get ahead of his competitors.
The Senators’ sales process ultimately lasted 10 months, during which several groups showed interest. Actor Ryan Reynolds and rapper Snoop Dogg were reportedly in the running.
There are rumors that former Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli could join the organization, being close to Andlauer. In the coming months, the project to build a new amphitheater at LeBreton Plains should also be part of the discussions.