Ottawa senators on Friday confirmed the process to sell the franchise had begun, adding that the club’s continued presence in the federal capital was one of the terms of the future transaction.
• Also read: The Canadian escapes victory in overtime
• Also read: Ryan Reynolds is genuinely interested in acquiring the Senators
In a brief statement, the organization indicated that the company Galatioto Sports Partners will act as financial advisor for their interests. This was commissioned by the Melnyk family, the current owners, to identify potential buyers. Actor Ryan Reynolds’ name was mentioned by the Ottawa Sun newspaper earlier this week.
“This is a necessary and prudent step to reach out to parties that are keen to show us their vision for the future of this team,” Senators Gov. Sheldon Plener said of Galatioto’s mandate.
The future of the senators has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, if not years. Questions of support and the distance to the Canadian Tire Centre, home of the club, are among the dubious points. The death of owner Eugene Melnyk in March also presented a new hurdle, as his estate had little knowledge of hockey.
In addition, the National League (NHL) and its commissioner, Gary Bettman, have previously expressed a desire for the concession to remain in Ottawa. On the Quebec side, where the public is awaiting the return of the NHL, Finance Minister Éric Girard, charged by Prime Minister François Legault to manage the file of the return of the Nordiques, said he had not been in contact with the organization, according to ” Le Journal de Quebec”.