• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 15, 2025

New Senators Owner Andlauer Stresses Caution In Arena Pursuit

  • Additional candidate sites being considered besides LeBreton Flats.
  • New team owner to sell separate minority stake in Montreal Canadiens.
National Hockey League

Newly installed Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer wasted no time making his mark on the franchise, immediately bringing back popular former team executive Cyril Reeder as CEO. But when it comes to perhaps the biggest decisions of all for the Senators — how and where to build a new arena — Andlauer is taking a much more cautious path.

Andlauer on Friday was formally introduced as the Senators’ new owner a day after his league-record $950 million purchase of the team was approved by the NHL Board of Governors and subsequently closed. 

Long before Andlauer’s arrival, the Senators have been actively seeking to supplant the 27-year-old Canadian Tire Centre and build a new arena, with downtown Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats long been seen as the preferred site.

But Andlauer cautioned much still needs to be done before that becomes the Senators’ definitive plan, including working out myriad details with the city of Ottawa and Canada’s National Capital Commission. Earlier this year, Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe also suggested several other potential sites. 

“The most important thing is what’s important for the fans,” Andlauer said. “If I can increase the fan experience, that’s what I’m here for. So, probably the fans will help me dictate where the best place will be.”

Andlauer did call the LeBreton Flats property “the best piece of land that’s available for development in probably any major city in North America.” But in these early days of his ownership, Andlauer stressed that “I like options.”

“We’re all going in the same direction,” Andlauer said of working with city, provincial, and national leaders on the arena effort. “So it’s a matter of collaborating, working together, and seeing what works.”

Canadiens Stake

Andlauer has been a limited partner of the Montreal Canadiens, and league rules dictate that he must divest that equity. The process to do that is underway, and Canadiens owner Geoff Molson has first right of refusal to buy back that interest.

That situation is similar to Josh Harris’ move to sell his Pittsburgh Steelers equity after acquiring the Washington Commanders. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NHL Raises Concerns Over 2026 Olympic Arena’s Delayed Construction

The commissioner says construction progress in Italy remains a deep concern.
Jenny Just

Austin FC Co-Owner: Teach Your Daughters to Play Poker

She calls poker a “mind sport” like chess that teaches important life skills.
Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
October 13, 2025

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) throws as quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during rookie minicamp May 9, 2025, in Berea.
October 9, 2025

Browns Paying $41.6M to 8 QBs, but Only 2 Are on Their..

Cleveland traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals this week.
October 9, 2025

The Yankees’ $319M Roster Flopped. Now Comes the Hard Part: 2026

The MLB club’s current contracts limit its flexibility somewhat for next year.
October 6, 2025

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.
October 1, 2025

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.