Confirmed with Link: Senators are for sale - and it’s a Gong Show

[Gil Gunderson]

Agreed, don’t seem big league enough to be getting a deal of this magnitude done

Maybe? Each partner tried to buy the team off Melnyk on their own (one offer was $650 mil). The money is clearly there if they form a group.

Bettman will probably pressure them to include Reynolds in the group if they're frontrunners too.

 

[Alfie11]

A little love for the city from Andy. The on ice part of the team has to improve but don't let anyone say players want out of Ottawa asap.

 

[Senscore]

I don't want any celebrities. Give me real business people. Don't want any stupid shows. This is not a circus and reality TV project. Ok, no one make any comments about being a curcus lol

Ryan Reynolds is a business man, and a very smart one. His business is his public persona and he's translated that into immense success.


Despite what you may think about the reality tv circus, his clear acumen for marketing and surrounding himself with capable people is something that really becomes quickly apparent on Welcome to Wrexham. He's a much smarter guy than people give him credit for.

 

[Golden_Jet]

I wonder when the deadline is to submit bids. I just hope that the next owner(s) does a better job and has more money than the previous ones did. Lord knows that this team needs some serious credibility in the ownership dept.

Can see the books on December 1, sign an NDA, and view the LeBreton agreement. Which has until September to get a lease agreement with NCC.

Bids are accepted after January 1.
Sounds like they expect all the bids to come in that month.
So new owners in place , they’re thinking End of June I think.

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

Can see the books on December 1, sign an NDA, and view the LeBreton agreement. Which has until September to get a lease agreement with NCC.

Bids are accepted after January 1.
Sounds like they expect all the bids to come in that month.
So new owners in place , they’re thinking End of June I think.

Pretty sure I read that we should know who the owner will be by some time in January, even though the process wont be finalized by at least June.

 

[PoutineSp00nZ]

Ryan Reynolds is a business man, and a very smart one. His business is his public persona and he's translated that into immense success.


Despite what you may think about the reality tv circus, his clear acumen for marketing and surrounding himself with capable people is something that really becomes quickly apparent on Welcome to Wrexham. He's a much smarter guy than people give him credit for.

Exactly. The guy knows what he's doing, and if he is shrewd enough to join forces with legitimate, reputable individuals with deep pockets, Reynolds is a solid face for the organization and for the NHL in all.

The Senators would actually be cool if he bought them. Wanna convert Leaf and Habs fans? How bout deadpool wearing a Sens jersey in his next movie? Imagine how much merchandise that would sell. That all translates to big bucks and the Senators spending to the cap and staying in ottawa.

Hugh Jackman showing up in the press box? How bout Deadpool's Pub next door at Lebreton flats? Teh possibilities are endless.

I can't see how anyone could think a dude like Reynolds being involved in this team is anything but a dream come true.

 

[Ice-Tray]

Exactly. The guy knows what he's doing, and if he is shrewd enough to join forces with legitimate, reputable individuals with deep pockets, Reynolds is a solid face for the organization and for the NHL in all.

The Senators would actually be cool if he bought them. Wanna convert Leaf and Habs fans? How bout deadpool wearing a Sens jersey in his next movie? Imagine how much merchandise that would sell. That all translates to big bucks and the Senators spending to the cap and staying in ottawa.

Hugh Jackman showing up in the press box? How bout Deadpool's Pub next door at Lebreton flats? Teh possibilities are endless.

I can't see how anyone could think a dude like Reynolds being involved in this team is anything but a dream come true.

More importantly, the star power and exposure ended being a critical part of recruiting management and player options who never would have joined the team in other circumstances.

That is where the real influence is in my opinion, the star cache and rubbing elbows with neat people. Being convinced to jump aboard something singular and interesting by a charismatic and successful ownership group that is dedicated to staking their personal names to a successful endeavour.

That kind of potential inspiration could lead to A level execs, managers, and coaches.

We’d also be the first team in the NHL that fully integrated Hollywood production and acting star power to very public facing hockey ownership. The exposure could be really neat for fans, too, you’re right

Get it done Bettman.

 

[Sun God Nika]

A little love for the city from Andy. The on ice part of the team has to improve but don't let anyone say players want out of Ottawa asap.

Definitely worthy of being in the ring of honour like Neil and Phillips but will be dramatized because of Bruce and his honouring committee thinking he is number retirement worthy.

 

[Emerica]

Exactly. The guy knows what he's doing, and if he is shrewd enough to join forces with legitimate, reputable individuals with deep pockets, Reynolds is a solid face for the organization and for the NHL in all.

The Senators would actually be cool if he bought them. Wanna convert Leaf and Habs fans? How bout deadpool wearing a Sens jersey in his next movie? Imagine how much merchandise that would sell. That all translates to big bucks and the Senators spending to the cap and staying in ottawa.

Hugh Jackman showing up in the press box? How bout Deadpool's Pub next door at Lebreton flats? Teh possibilities are endless.

I can't see how anyone could think a dude like Reynolds being involved in this team is anything but a dream come true.

Any group would be smart to bring him in, zero downside. I'd be shocked at this point if he's not part of whichever group ends up winning.

 

[Senscore]

Just as an example of his business acumen, in 2014 Fox had some test footage commissioned as a proof of concept for the Deadpool character (which ended up becoming the highway scene in the movie).

Deadpool had been something Reynolds was pushing for for years, even agreeing to star as him in the truly shitty Wolverine: Origins. The version of the character in that film was a complete bastardization but Reynolds has effectively said since that he did it to keep his hat in the ring with hopes they would do the right thing in the future.

Now it's not clear whether Fox was going to pass on Deadpool after seeing the test footage but what is clear is that the movie had not been greenlit yet, and that Reynolds was only one of four people who could have possibly leaked the footage online during the last day of San Diego Comic Con. We can't really say for certain who did it, but as the potential star and producer, it's a good bet it was him.

Despite the massive legal risk taken in leaking unpolished studio-owned footage online, the response was almost unanimous acclaim, the film was greenlit, and the franchise has made around $700 million in revenue (outside of merchandise) and should easily cross $1 billion when the 3rd film is released. All with Reynolds as a producer.

He knows what people want and he knows how to make money doing it.

 

[Samsquanch]

If you haven't watched welcome to rexham yet, then you haven't grasped the insane potential this has for the Ottawa Senators.

The parallels are uncanny between these two teams. Two small market franchises with glorious and important history that started with the birth of the game at the pro level.

But after years of mismanagement and neglect from bad ownership these great teams are at their lowest point, and in need of a savior. There's no relegation in the NHL, but there might as well be considering how firmly planted the feet of the Sens organization were in the basement of the league. We belonged there... and still do until there's change.

This could have a massive reach if Reyonlds and the production company do it right. And with the experience they have from Wrexham to build on, and a slightly bigger budget because it's the NHL and all that, this could be so huge in terms of exposure for the NHL and obviously the Senators.

And fwiw, the fact that the Sens have so many American born players, and characters like Brady (hockey royalty) to showcase will really help with the market outside of Canada.

 

[bert]

I don't want any celebrities. Give me real business people. Don't want any stupid shows. This is not a circus and reality TV project. Ok, no one make any comments about being a curcus lol

Against the grain as usual. Incredibly obvious if RR is involved it would be with business people with deep pockets. He's literally said it. Secondly it's wild that you wouldn't do any research at all into what he would bring to the table.

 

[bert]

Definitely worthy of being in the ring of honour like Neil and Phillips but will be dramatized because of Bruce and his honouring committee thinking he is number retirement worthy.

I personally think it diminishes Alfies accomplishments with Phillips and Neil having their jerseys retired. The ring of honor was more than enough for those guys.

 

[L'Aveuglette]

Against the grain as usual. Incredibly obvious if RR is involved it would be with business people with deep pockets. He's literally said it. Secondly it's wild that you wouldn't do any research at all into what he would bring to the table.

Coladin is a perfect representation of Ottawa, and why the Senators have never been "cool".

 

[Joeyjoejoe]

Typical Ottawa response “I don’t want this really cool and popular hollywood A lister to have a very very small minority stake because it might bring attention to the team.”

So freaking lame

 

[Burrowsaurus]

Mentioned again among legit Hollywood elite. Reynolds has serious pull. Great for the org

I don't want any celebrities. Give me real business people. Don't want any stupid shows. This is not a circus and reality TV project. Ok, no one make any comments about being a curcus lol

We will have deep pockets.

 

[Xspyrit]

Come on, if Keanu Reeves didn't exist, Ryan Reynolds would be God

This can't be a bad thing, I am sure he is well connected to hockey gods too, which would help for once.

 

[AchtzehnBaby]

Mentioned again among legit Hollywood elite. Reynolds has serious pull. Great for the org


We will have deep pockets.

Laughing stock…

 

[coladin]

Ryan Reynolds is a business man, and a very smart one. His business is his public persona and he's translated that into immense success.


Despite what you may think about the reality tv circus, his clear acumen for marketing and surrounding himself with capable people is something that really becomes quickly apparent on Welcome to Wrexham. He's a much smarter guy than people give him credit for.

That's fine and all. Swell guy.

I want one owner. I don't want a conglomerate of squabbling owners (as they inevitably will be), with a figurehead getting all the press while the real owners are in the background, probably simmering with the outside noise. Give me deep pockets, and an independent owner.

We had enough of a clown show with our owner that lasted 5 years. I have had my fill.

And Wrexham? Great story, but I could have bought that franchise on my own. The investment is what it is, and yes, his business acumen may work at that smaller than Atletico Ottawa level...

 

[coladin]

Coladin is a perfect representation of Ottawa, and why the Senators have never been "cool"

Man, some people are so start struck. Like little schoolgirls. Or fans fainting during Beatlemania. That is you I guess

 

[AchtzehnBaby]

Welcome to Kanata

Season 1 - training room

 

[coladin]

Against the grain as usual. Incredibly obvious if RR is involved it would be with business people with deep pockets. He's literally said it. Secondly it's wild that you wouldn't do any research at all into what he would bring to the table.

I am well versed in his business acumen. Watched his soccer show. I like the guy and clearly very smart in what he acconmplished at Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile and his movies. Hot wife too. Am i missing anything?

It isn't about being against the grain. Billionaires are egotistical people. A clash of wills can be avoided without celebrity owners is my concern. That would never happen, would it?

I am more fascinated on Andlauer, coming from being already a part owner in the Canadiens.

 

[Joeyjoejoe]

Man, some people are so start struck. Like little schoolgirls. Or fans fainting during Beatlemania. That is you I guess

woah look out for this cool guy over here.

 

[bert]

I am well versed in his business acumen. Watched his soccer show. I like the guy and clearly very smart in what he acconmplished at Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile and his movies. Hot wife too. Am i missing anything?

It isn't about being against the grain. Billionaires are egotistical people. A clash of wills can be avoided without celebrity owners is my concern. That would never happen, would it?

I am more fascinated on Andlauer, coming from being already a part owner in the Canadiens.

Last guy I want. He isn't very wealthy relative to the other players. Its another Toronto based owner that owns an OHL team... Sound familiar. Seems like a worst case scenario to me.

RR is a way better option. Building the teams brand will bring in corporate, bigger national broadcast Deals. And make the team more attractive to play for. On top of that celebrities have branding. Being a cheap or asshole owner has real consequences for them. A billionair doesn't care as they don't have a brand.

How you say you have business acumen and can't recognize any of these positives doesn't add up.

 

[DaveMatthew]

That's fine and all. Swell guy.

I want one owner. I don't want a conglomerate of squabbling owners (as they inevitably will be), with a figurehead getting all the press while the real owners are in the background, probably simmering with the outside noise. Give me deep pockets, and an independent owner.

We had enough of a clown show with our owner that lasted 5 years. I have had my fill.

And Wrexham? Great story, but I could have bought that franchise on my own. The investment is what it is, and yes, his business acumen may work at that smaller than Atletico Ottawa level...

One owner isn't happening, not with what the franchise value is pegged to be. You used to be able to have 1 owner when teams were selling for $250-500M. But now they're going for $1B+. Unless there's someone lined up with a net worth of $10B+, and that doesn't seem to be the case, it'll be a group that buys the team. That's how it is in all pro sports nowadays.

A single owner with a net worth of $2-3B is poor, from a pro sports ownership perspective.

I'd rather have a big-pocketed group headlined by Ryan Reynolds over some guy from Toronto who owns an OHL team, with a total net worth of $1.5B, and will be over-leveraged from day one (aka. Eugene Melnyk 2.0).

Andlauer has an estimated net worth $1.5-2B (including his stake in the Canadiens). He's much more likely to be a penny-pinching owner than a big group.