Senators owner Melnyk in 'urgent need' of liver transplant

Eugene Melnyk has been battling serious health issues for months.

The Ottawa Senators owner has been suffering from a liver-related ailment that will require a transplant, the club said in a statement Thursday.

Melnyk was notably absent during the Senators' recent playoff run.

From the statement:

Melnyk was admitted to hospital three weeks ago as a result of the onset of liver-related complications. He has undergone a comprehensive medical assessment and it has been determined that Mr. Melnyk is in urgent need of a liver transplant.

Mr. Melnyk's family has actively reached out to his close friends and broader family with the hope of identifying someone who could be a "live liver donor." This process involves the removal of a portion of the living donor's liver so it can be transplanted into the recipient patient.

"Eugene Melnyk was admitted to Toronto General Hospital three weeks ago due to liver-related complications," team president Cyril Leeder said in a press conference.

"He is in urgent need of a liver transplant ... Time is of the essence ... Please keep Senators owner Eugene Melnyk in your thoughts and prayers."

The club said Melnyk has been seriously ill since mid-January. The family found several donor candidates, but none were deemed suitable.

The 55-year-old purchased the Senators in 2003, rescuing them from bankruptcy.