Andlauer completes purchase of Senators

Michael Andlauer officially has the keys to the Ottawa Senators.

The Toronto billionaire's purchase of the NHL franchise was unanimously approved by the league's board of governors, the NHL confirmed Thursday.

Andlauer, who reached a deal to buy the team for a reported $950 million in June, will be introduced with his partners on Friday at Canadian Tire Centre.

The 57-year-old's prior experience with the league and owning a hockey team were apparently key parts of his success in landing the franchise. He owns the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs and was a minority shareholder of the Montreal Canadiens.

Former Senators president Cyril Leeder will join the club's front office under Andlauer, Garrioch added.

The Senators went up for sale in November. Keeping the team in Ottawa was the only condition for prospective buyers. Anna and Olivia Melnyk, the daughters of the late previous owner Eugene Melnyk, kept a 10% legacy stake in the team.