Senators’ owner Michael Andlauer said that he was “prepared to spend to the cap this season,” which is promising news for fans, according to Alex Adams of SPORTSNET.ca. The finances of the NHL are changing, with a “skyrocketing salary cap” headed toward $104M next season and $113.5M in two years. The cap was just $83.5M in 2023-24, when Andlauer took over ownership. With the Senators in win-now mode with LW Brady Tkachuk, C Tim Stutzle and D Jake Sanderson, they “have the potential to be a real playoff contender next season.” Ottawa can “ill-afford to be ‘cheap’ if Senators fans are going to get what they want: a truly competitive team.” It is a big statement in this market for an owner “to be willing to lose money to make sure the Senators are a better team.” Andlauer has invested in the Gatineau community by sponsoring youth hockey teams, and on Friday, he announced that the Senators “will hold a rookie tournament at the Slush Puppy Centre this fall.” The Senators have also welcomed the PWHL’s Ottawa Charge to the Canadian Tire Centre for their playoffs, and the Charge are “likely to move there permanently next season.” The Senators are working closely with the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation on an economic partnership to “smooth the path to a new arena on the LeBreton Flats site.” Andlauer “did not rule out” public funding for the arena (SPORTSNET.ca, 6/5).
Andlauer committed to spending to the cap for the Senators
