During his Thursday press conference on the sidelines of the series in Stockholm, National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner Gary Bettman addressed several topics, including some somewhat confrontational comments from the Senators owner. “Ottawa, Michael Andlauer.
The latter acquired the Ottawa franchise in September and quickly experienced some upheaval, most notably the departure of general manager Pierre Dorion and the appointment of Steve Staios as president of hockey operations. In addition, the businessman had already mentioned a few weeks ago that he had doubts about the Evgenii Dadonov case.
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The deal, completed in 2021 and canceled the following year, cost the Senators a first-round pick. Andlauer said: “I don’t know why I inherited that. There is no reason for justification [le délai de] Decision. I knew the story and from the seller’s perspective it wasn’t a problem. “I don’t know if a first-round pick is important to you, but it is to me,” the owner said.
However, Bettman responded by focusing on diplomacy but leaving an obvious difference of opinion to remain.
“I will not engage in a public debate with Michael Andlauer. “I don’t think it’s constructive for him, for me or for the league,” he said. I am more than happy with what we have done. Perhaps after some reflection, if he hasn’t already, Michael will know what has been determined.
“I consider the case closed. However, I am always open to discussing any topic with the owners.”
On the ice, the Senators gave their big boss more reason to smile by winning the last two games. They are 7-7-0 and play the Minnesota Wild on Saturday in Sweden.