Senators owner optimistic, but cautious on talks for new arena at LeBreton Flats

A rendering of what a new Ottawa Senators arena at LeBreton Flats could look like. (Capital Sports Development Inc.)

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is cautiously optimistic about finalizing a deal to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats, but says, "let's just hope the NCC doesn't change the rules at the last second."

In September, the Senators and the National Capital Commission announced an agreement in principle has been reached to build a new NHL-sized arena on 10 acres of land just west of downtown Ottawa.

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Speaking with TSN during the Senators game against Buffalo Thursday night, Andlauer was asked for an update on negotiations with the NCC.

"First, it's a process. When I was told dealing with the NCC was going to be difficult, it was. It took a whole year to get this deal done and I'm optimistic but I'm cautious as well," Andlauer said.

"Like I said, I always want to do what's in the best interest of the fans, and it's got to be right for our fans. To be continued, but it's a process. It takes longer than I'd like it to, unfortunately."

TSN's Claire Hanna asked Andlauer where the Senators are in that process with the NCC.

"The understanding is there; there were terms in our agreement that talked about fair market value, which I'm totally for, which I want – what's fair," Andlauer said.

"Let's just hope the NCC doesn't change the rules at the last second."

The Senators have previously said the cost of a new arena would be in the range of $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion.

In November, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman urged caution as the Senators and the NCC embarked on the next phase of negotiations.

"This isn't a 60-minute game, this isn't going to happen overnight – it's going to take a bit of time," Bettman told reporters.

The Senators and the NCC initially reached a memorandum of understanding in June 2022 to develop a new event centre along Albert Street, between Preston Street and City Centre Avenue.  Andlauer and his group purchased the Senators and Canadian Tire Centre in September 2023, and the NCC extended the memorandum of understanding to September 2024 to allow for negotiations with the new ownership group.

"We're in a good position"

The Buffalo Sabres beat the Senators 4-0 Thursday night, the Senators fourth straight loss.  The Sens currently sit tied for fifth in the Atlantic Division and three points out of a wildcard spot.

"We're right in the thick of things. We knew it wasn't going to be easy," Andlauer said.

"I didn’t think we were going to get the type of injuries that we've had; so we haven't had lady luck on our side from that standpoint."

Sens starting goalie Linus Ullmark has been out of the lineup since Dec. 22 due to an injury. Other injuries include defensemen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Travis Hamonic and forward Michael Amadio.

"We're in a good position; we just got to keep it up and keep on having the right habits moving forward for our team," Andlauer said.

Belleville Senators

Andlauer insists the Belleville Senators are "here to stay," as speculation swirled about the future home for the Sens American Hockey League affiliate.

"It's strategic to be in Belleville. It's a 6-1-3, it's Sens country and Belleville is here to stay," Andlauer said, while wearing a 613 hat during the Senators broadcast on TSN.

"They're great fans.  Maybe some of the rumour is true; but the one part that's not true is Belleville's there to stay and I'm looking forward to spending a lot more time in Belleville."