Michael Andlauer met local media prior to the tee-off of the annual Ottawa Senators Alumni Charity Golf Tournament Friday at the Canadian Golf and Country Club.
The event was held to aid First Assist created by Senators Alumni John Chabot which helps “Indigenous youth access organized sports and educational opportunities” and Soldier On, a Canadian Armed Forces program “which assists in the recovery of ill and injured veterans and members of the CAF through sport and recreation.” Mark Borowiecki who was on hand at the tourney was instrumental in bringing attention to the program during his time with the Senators.
The Senators owner touched base on several topics including the team’s performance and bowing out in the playoffs; a peek into Ottawa’s offseason agenda; LeBreton Flats; and the club’s involvement in the Gatineau region.
Andlauer on this past season:
“I think when I looked at this team roster at the beginning of the season, and I compare it, I’m always looking for continuous improvement for our hockey club, and when we looked at it, we had a better roster than we did the previous year, and we had made the playoffs. We went through a lot of adversity last year, including in the playoffs with how many injuries we had on the D-core and we persevered, so I think as a fan I’m happy where we’re going.”
Is Andlauer over the Senators loss to the Hurricanes?
“It’s never over, because you look at, they’re (Carolina) still playing. Once the season’s over, then you look at it, and what if? You know last night’s game went into overtime, our Game Two, where how many posts and cross bars, open chances that we had, and what if, right? But once the season’s over, then we’ll be..I’m already starting to think about next year.”
On the Senators approach to the offseason, cap expectations, league chatter:
“I think continue to stay focused. I think Steve (General Manager Steve Staios) and staff are doing a fantastic job about continuously improving. It’s a very competitive league, as we see every single game being so tight, and stay on track and continue to believe and make sure that the culture is right, that we care, and that we’re willing to work harder than our competition.”
Andlauer noted he’s willing to spend to salary ceiling as necessary if it means winning, “Its difficult, but this is a passion of mine, and this year we spent, you know, cash over cap is higher, so whatever it’s going to take to bring a Cup to Ottawa.”
While the Senators owner deferred personnel matters to his GM, he did recognize this July’s free agency list devoid of star players will force a lot of teams into trades.
“It doesn’t look like it’s a really big free agent market this year, so maybe people will overpay? But I think that probably there’s going to be a lot of things going on, because there’s not enough free agents. I think people are going to want to do trades and the fact that the cap is going up, I think there’s going to be people going to look at that…Trade wise, I hear it’s a fairly active discussion with Steve right now.”
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The future of LeBreton Flats:
Andlauer has been meeting and collaborating with Algonquin leaders led by Grand Chief Savanna McGregor, together with the National Capital Commission on a vision for the Senators future home at LeBreton Flats.
“I mean, it’s exciting. It’s bigger than I. It’s way bigger than an arena, for me, what it represents. I’ve had an opportunity to meet with the Algonquins and now work with them with this development, and I think, like I said, this is bigger than an arena. It’s not even for me, it’s not even about an arena anymore, it’s about what it represents to this city, to the region. Interestingly enough, when in talking to the Algonquins about LeBreton, I’m looking at it for being a gathering place, a feel-good environment where people get together, and for all kinds of different reasons, you know, with restaurants and commercial and retail and residential. In talking to the Algonquins, the Grand Chief (Savanna McGregor), she told me that Victoria Island was a gathering place for the Algonquins, and so for me symbolically what it represents, when you have a Little Italy, where I live, or a Chinatown, and nothing, you know, represents the Algonquins, and this is their land, their tradition. So I’m excited about that, and it just checks off so many boxes, and I’m pretty stoked about it now.”
Andlauer would not put a timeline on when shovels will go in the ground, but added 700 seats will be removed from the third level of the Canadian Tire Centre to create a lounge area in keeping the Senators current building and fan experience up to date.
One tidbit of news from the Senators owner, the club will once again make a foray into Gatineau. The Senators held a fan-friendly event during their 2024 training camp. This time, Andlauer announced this September’s Rookie Showcase will be held at Centre Slush Puppie. It’s expected the Canadiens will be a participant with the possibility of Sabres/Devils.
Andlauer also admitted continual interest in becoming an owner of the Gatineau Olympiques, but there’s no movement in that front.
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