Skip to content

Senators' owner says entire organization under microscope after down season

Andre Ringuette / National Hockey League / Getty

Expect changes this summer for the Ottawa Senators.

Team owner Eugene Melnyk was candid Tuesday in sharing his assessment of an organization he plans to thoroughly vet across all levels of management and down to player personnel.

"I'm looking at all of that. All of it. Right across the board. Nobody is safe when you have a year like we just did," Melnyk said via Sportsnet.

He added: "We will fix this."

Melnyk's blunt dissatisfaction appeared to center around the coaching staff. He traced his angst as far back as the "stupidity" of having rookie Matt O'Connor start the Senators' home opener.

"What was that about?" he asked, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. "And the guy gets clobbered."

He defended ownership, pointing to the club's $68-million (U.S.) payroll, and offered some veiled support for his players.

"Some nights we look like Stanley Cup champions, other nights like an AHL team."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox