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

[GCK]

Personally I want new ownership to take a detailed approach to evaluating all the hockey and business related positions and go from there once they purchase the team.

If they are professionals then that’s what will happen thankfully.

The Hockey Ops side is pretty much all in the public.

Anyone buying the team will have a consultant who should be able to make the call on the GM right away.

 

[Micklebot]

The Hockey Ops side is pretty much all in the public.

Anyone buying the team will have a consultant who should be able to make the call on the GM right away.

Or at the very least be able to move quickly one any missing information becomes available after the sale is complete. For example, they might want more info wrt what happened with Mann, they might want to interview Dorion and Bowness, ect.

The big thing though is that if they bring in their own POHO, that guy might have a completely different vision on how to build a champion than Dorion, if that's the case you'd expect changes to happen fairly quickly even if they thought Dorion did a respectable job.

 

[RickyLafleur]

Is it over yet?

 

[Joeyjoejoe]

hurry this shit Gerry.

 

[Ice-Tray]

The Hockey Ops side is pretty much all in the public.

Anyone buying the team will have a consultant who should be able to make the call on the GM right away.

I don’t think that’s true at all. The groups are likely so wound up in trying to win the bid that they likely won’t be spending too much time on the hockey side right now.

I mean most of the groups came and met directly with Dorion where he had a chance to present the team and the future plans. It didn’t sound like there were intermediary hockey guys, but the actual ownership groups.

Once the bid is won someone will take the reigns on the hockey side (better be Reynolds) and the rest of the group will be full steam ahead on the real estate.

I just don’t see a realistic outcome where there isn’t an evaluation process for both hockey and business ops. I know that isn’t a popular opinion in here, but we’ve not heard of any hockey guys attached to any group as of yet.

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

I don’t think that’s true at all. The groups are likely so wound up in trying to win the bid that they likely won’t be spending too much time on the hockey side right now.

I mean most of the groups came and met directly with Dorion where he had a chance to present the team and the future plans. It didn’t sound like there were intermediary hockey guys, but the actual ownership groups.

Once the bid is won someone will take the reigns on the hockey side (better be Reynolds) and the rest of the group will be full steam ahead on the real estate.

I just don’t see a realistic outcome where there isn’t an evaluation process for both hockey and business ops. I know that isn’t a popular opinion in here, but we’ve not heard of any hockey guys attached to any group as of yet.

Not specific names, but didn't Seravelli claim that the groups have been forming lists of potential replacement candidates?

It seems crazy to imply there wouldn't be preliminary work on their potential direction of the team on the hockey ops side.

 

[Ice-Tray]

Not specific names, but didn't Seravelli claim that the groups have been forming lists of potential replacement candidates?

It seems crazy to imply there wouldn't be preliminary work on their potential direction of the team on the hockey ops side.

Preliminary work perhaps, but it depends on how involved the ownership wants to be.

I have no doubt there are conversations and consultations with people, including existing management of the team as we have heard.

Bit until a bid is won, I doubt they have hired any big hockey names, we would have heard no? Besides, I can’t imagine too many guys wanting to sign on to a group that doesn’t even own the team.

There is undoubtably due diligence being done, but I think it’s a bit far fetched to assume that groups have secret management groups in place ready for an immediate replacement up winning the bidding process (Not saying you said this).

I honestly think that hockey ops is a second consideration to the potentially massive real estate deal that makes the sale so attractive. The team looks like it’s on the rise, attendance is up, so I’m not feeling the idea that immediate change is a pressing concern.

 

[Micklebot]

I just don’t see a realistic outcome where there isn’t an evaluation process for both hockey and business ops. I know that isn’t a popular opinion in here, but we’ve not heard of any hockey guys attached to any group as of yet.

I don't recall the specifics but I think it was on coming in hot where Wallace talked about a couple groups having hockey advisors, Sundin was one of them, I think there was another Swedish guy for one of the other bids.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

Ron Maclean discussed a couple weeks ago on Hockey night but it is believed to be ~450M in debt.

That would be paid off by the sale of the team so say the team goes for 900M, the Melnyks would get 550M after debts are paid off

Unless it is cheaper to pay $550 M to the Sisters, and assume the responsibility of the debt, and pay it off over time, and apply whatever tax write off that come with that.

 

[Tnuoc Alucard]

Once the bid is won someone will take the reigns on the hockey side (better be Reynolds) and the rest of the group will be full steam ahead on the real estate.

Methinks Reynolds already has a lot on his plate, and don’t think he even comes close to qualifying as POHO, or whatever position you’re thinking he would have the time for.

He has pretty much said he’ll be pretty much a silent partner, as he has few other business endeavours….. personally would want someone full time taking control of “the hockey side”

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

I don’t think that’s true at all. The groups are likely so wound up in trying to win the bid that they likely won’t be spending too much time on the hockey side right now.

I mean most of the groups came and met directly with Dorion where he had a chance to present the team and the future plans. It didn’t sound like there were intermediary hockey guys, but the actual ownership groups.

Once the bid is won someone will take the reigns on the hockey side (better be Reynolds) and the rest of the group will be full steam ahead on the real estate.

I just don’t see a realistic outcome where there isn’t an evaluation process for both hockey and business ops. I know that isn’t a popular opinion in here, but we’ve not heard of any hockey guys attached to any group as of yet.

Being such wealthy groups of powerful people, I just see them as being able to multi task here and are likely hitting it from many angles, including the hockey ops, at least as far as an assessment at least. Seravelli claiming that word is internal candidate lists are prepared by the various groups is about the only peep we've had on it so who knows.

I don't know about pitchforks and firing everyone like some are hedging their bets on, but personally, I'd be shocked if the hockey side hasn't already been heavily investigated.

 

[YouGotAStuGoing]

Methinks Reynolds already has a lot on his plate, and don’t think he even comes close to qualifying as POHO, or whatever position you’re thinking he would have the time for.

He has pretty much said he’ll be pretty much a silent partner, as he has few other business endeavours….. personally would want someone full time taking control of “the hockey side”

"If we progress with the Ottawa Senators I will be a frothy, rabies-infused fan the likes of which the NHL has never seen."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ryan-reynolds-ottawa-senators-fan-interview-owner-1.6686011

“He is all in on this. That is the sense that I got. He really wants to see this happen and is very committed to it,” Sutcliffe said. “If this goes ahead for his group, he’s not going to be a silent partner, he’s going to be actively involved going forward.

“And he has a lot of ideas. He’s genuinely excited about this.”

Ryan Reynolds makes a second trip to Ottawa as sale of Senators heats up

The actor posted a picture to Instagram of a Thursday meeting with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Remington Group president Christopher Bratty.

ottawasun.com

Not too sure about the silent partner side of things! Though I do think he'll stay out of the hockey decisions area of things. He seems to me to be the type to know his strengths and not meddle.

 

[UglyPuckling]

Being such wealthy groups of powerful people, I just see them as being able to multi task here and are likely hitting it from many angles, including the hockey ops, at least as far as an assessment at least. Seravelli claiming that word is internal candidate lists are prepared by the various groups is about the only peep we've had on it so who knows.

I don't know about pitchforks and firing everyone like some are hedging their bets on, but personally, I'd be shocked if the hockey side hasn't already been heavily investigated.

So kind of like walking and chewing gum at the same time then. LOL.

More seriously, anything that could be connected to selling more tickets will be made a priority I'd think. They'll want to get cracking on those things. So, if they see a connection between getting a new GM or coach and selling more tickets, I'd think it will be focused on and won't linger.

 

[Golden_Jet]

NCC said today, open to discussions on more land for LeBreton.

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

So kind of like walking and chewing gum at the same time then. LOL.

Lol.

I'll go with rolling a joint while walking. Slightly more challenging, but easily doable.

 

[jbeck5]

This is taking forever!

 

[Wondercarrot]

I don't recall the specifics but I think it was on coming in hot where Wallace talked about a couple groups having hockey advisors, Sundin was one of them, I think there was another Swedish guy for one of the other bids.

I mean there is zero chance that any serious potential ownership groups are planning to spend a billion dollars without having hockey side consultants on board giving them the lay of the land and an evaluation of some sort of the current group/team.

Serivalli felt comfortable saying “Pierre Dorion was talking this week like he was going to be the guy, but I think there's a greater than 9 in 10 chance that he's not."
IMO he’s not pulling that out of thin air.

 

[Ice-Tray]

I don't recall the specifics but I think it was on coming in hot where Wallace talked about a couple groups having hockey advisors, Sundin was one of them, I think there was another Swedish guy for one of the other bids.

Oh yeah I did hear someone in here mention Sundin, that would be really weird.

It’s possible that budding groups have a full squad ready to go if they win, doesn’t seem likely to me, but as long as deep dive has been done I don’t suppose it matters when.

Being such wealthy groups of powerful people, I just see them as being able to multi task here and are likely hitting it from many angles, including the hockey ops, at least as far as an assessment at least. Seravelli claiming that word is internal candidate lists are prepared by the various groups is about the only peep we've had on it so who knows.

I don't know about pitchforks and firing everyone like some are hedging their bets on, but personally, I'd be shocked if the hockey side hasn't already been heavily investigated.

Yeah your probably right, I mean we do know that several groups came and had meetings with Pierre and Ryan to see what the rebuild was all about, and their plans going forward, so they could put that information to good use.

 

[Ice-Tray]

I mean there is zero chance that any serious potential ownership groups are planning to spend a billion dollars without having hockey side consultants on board giving them the lay of the land and an evaluation of some sort of the current group/team.

Serivalli felt comfortable saying “Pierre Dorion was talking this week like he was going to be the guy, but I think there's a greater than 9 in 10 chance that he's not."
IMO he’s not pulling that out of thin air.

Eh, he‘s not a Sens insider, and Pierre definitly didn’t seem too comfortable with being the guy going forward from what I heard.

But I think you’re right, they are definitely getting a handle on hockey ops now that several groups have sat down with Pierre and asked for a run down.

 

[Tuna99]

I mean there is zero chance that any serious potential ownership groups are planning to spend a billion dollars without having hockey side consultants on board giving them the lay of the land and an evaluation of some sort of the current group/team.

Serivalli felt comfortable saying “Pierre Dorion was talking this week like he was going to be the guy, but I think there's a greater than 9 in 10 chance that he's not."
IMO he’s not pulling that out of thin air.

Dorion like being the bottom 10% of things, it’s how he GM’s the team

 

[Wondercarrot]

Eh, he‘s not a Sens insider, and Pierre definitly didn’t seem too comfortable with being the guy going forward from what I heard.

But I think you’re right, they are definitely getting a handle on hockey ops now that several groups have sat down with Pierre and asked for a run down.

did you mean “uncomfortable”?
I think that’s what you meant, and I’m sure he’d be comfortable.
I just found it odd that Serevalli would say that as they (hockey media) usually defer to the guys with the jobs, and while he may not be a Sens insider I think he’s a guy with a ton of connections in the hockey world and this is one of the years biggest hockey stories.
I mean 9/10 is a pretty strong opinion.

I’d like Dorion and DJ to start the year next year, we need stability. Not a new system, or someone to put their stamp on the team etc.
If they bring in a new GM who brings in his new coach and things don’t go as expected, I’d say that’s a tough start for a new group - they have to get rid of those guys? Ride it out?

If they keep them and things go well, then well done. If they don’t then you’ve had time as a new group to “evaluate” get rid of them and then being in fresh guys and would be completely supported by the fan base.

 

[BondraTime]

New ownership want their own guys to run the team, not the same group that’s been here for a decade.

Issue now is timing. Ownership would surely like their own guys in charge of the draft (trades, not so much the drafting) and UFA period.

Should the Sens go into the draft with Dorion at the helm, and a sale not yet completed, it’s essentially a full wasted year without ownership in place from a managerial point of view.

It’s very, very likely that new management will have a different view on signings, trades and team build. I don’t think ownership, or new management, is going to be in place in time to get a start in that this summer.

Absolutely, 100%, leading groups have their guys lined up for the GM and managerial positions (I think Bowness will stay on in some role) and have short lists for the coaching positions. Issue now is getting the process done prior to June, which I don’t think is realistic.

 

[Do Make Say Think]

NCC said today, open to discussions on more land for LeBreton.

So many twists and turns.

Progress is encouraging but it is so damn frustrating that Melnyk torpedo'd the last deal by being a greedy asshole.

His late life antics really set the franchise back. Thank god he's gone.

 

[Sun God Nika]

New ownership want their own guys to run the team, not the same group that’s been here for a decade.

Issue now is timing. Ownership would surely like their own guys in charge of the draft (trades, not so much the drafting) and UFA period.

Should the Sens go into the draft with Dorion at the helm, and a sale not yet completed, it’s essentially a full wasted year without ownership in place from a managerial point of view.

It’s very, very likely that new management will have a different view on signings, trades and team build. I don’t think ownership, or new management, is going to be in place in time to get a start in that this summer.

Absolutely, 100%, leading groups have their guys lined up for the GM and managerial positions (I think Bowness will stay on in some role) and have short lists for the coaching positions. Issue now is getting the process done prior to June, which I don’t think is realistic.

That is a real and scary possibility and it has me concerned. Over the past six years, they've laid down the foundations for a championship-caliber team, with key players in both defense and offense. While there are areas that could use some fine-tuning, like goaltending.

Admittedly, I used to be a very vocal critic of Dorion, especially after he traded away my favorite player, Zibanejad as one of his first moves. For years, I considered him a clown and hoped for him to get canned. However, I now see that Dorion has a real vision for the team, and he's shown promise in the short term without interference from the previous owner who was the real clown.

In my view, the last thing the Senators need is a new GM who tries to put their own stamp on the team by trading away core players. If that happens, I hope the new GM in charge will be like Bryan Murray leaving Anaheim or Yzerman leaving Tampa: someone who understands the value of the current pieces in place and recognizes that most of the hard work has already been done.

 

[Ice-Tray]

Lol.

I'll go with rolling a joint while walking. Slightly more challenging, but easily doable.

Whoa?!

did you mean “uncomfortable”?
I think that’s what you meant, and I’m sure he’d be comfortable.
I just found it odd that Serevalli would say that as they (hockey media) usually defer to the guys with the jobs, and while he may not be a Sens insider I think he’s a guy with a ton of connections in the hockey world and this is one of the years biggest hockey stories.
I mean 9/10 is a pretty strong opinion.

I’d like Dorion and DJ to start the year next year, we need stability. Not a new system, or someone to put their stamp on the team etc.
If they bring in a new GM who brings in his new coach and things don’t go as expected, I’d say that’s a tough start for a new group - they have to get rid of those guys? Ride it out?

If they keep them and things go well, then well done. If they don’t then you’ve had time as a new group to “evaluate” get rid of them and then being in fresh guys and would be completely supported by the fan base.

No I meant that he seemed like he didn’t know if he’d be back, but would keep doing his job until otherwise informed. I never got a sense from either interview that he was comfortable that he’d be back. I found him to be putting on a positive face, beta foot forward while knowing it could all come to an end. Comments like he’d give the seasons expectations at camp, if he’s still here.

Oh sure, he has his connections, I just doubt that he’s connected to any of the prospective ownership groups. It just seems like an easy bet to expect a clean sweep of the house. Who knows though. I guess I would find it more believable if it came from one of our people.

I agree with you plan for next season, I think it would be good to let the entire group finally have a chance to show what they have, having said that, if moves are made I’d like them to be for a reason beyond simply wanting to put a ‘stamp on things’. This young group deserves a chance to see things play out a bit before a new vision is placed on them in my opinon.

At least that’s what I’m excited about most.