Despite what you may have been reading for the better part of two years now, the Ottawa Senators are not for sale.
No sir. Everything is just fine in the Nation’s Capital.
At least that’s according to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Bettman was in town yesterday to speak at a Parliamentary Committee on concussions and afterwards, took the opportunity to answer a handful of questions on the current state of the Ottawa Senators.
Despite the lingering rumours of instability in ownership that have followed the team for the better part of five years now, the Commissioner suggests that everything is just as it should be in Ottawa.
When asked if there was any truth to the talk of financial issues with the Senators, Bettman’s answer was short but direct.
“Not that I’m aware of.”
As expected, reporters also used the opportunity to ask about the possibility of a sale of the team. Again, despite a fairly steady stream of rumours about offers to buy the team, Bettman was short and to the point.
“The team isn’t for sale,”
And because it’s part of the conversation everywhere but on Sens Twitter for some reason, reporters also asked about the possibility of the team being relocated out of Ottawa.
Again, the Commissioner left no doubt.
“No!”
Well that settle that then.
Bettman would go on to say that “Everything I hear, and every interaction I’ve had with Mr. Melnyk, would lead me to no other conclusion,” when asked about his confidence in Melnyk as Owner of the Senators and earlier in the day stated that “there has not been that conclusive link” connecting concussions and CTE.
Oh.
