Alfie wil be next as Cyril Leeder returns to the Ottawa Senators

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Andlauer played a role in bringing Guy Lafleur back into a role with the Habs. You can expect that he’ll do the same with Alfredsson

Published Sep 22, 2023  •  Last updated 6 hours ago  •  4 minute read

The introduction of Michael Andlauer as the new Ottawa Senators owner took place at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa Friday. Former Ottawa Senator Daniel Alfredsson after the press conference Friday. Photo by Tony Caldwell /POSTMEDIA Article content

Michael Andlauer wasted no time in putting his stamp on the Ottawa Senators.

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Twenty-four hours after being handed the keys to the Canadian Tire Centre, the club’s new majority owner brought back Senators’ founder Cyril Leeder in a role as chief executive officer and president.

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And, Andlauer has at least one other addition on the way.

While Hockey Hall of Fame winger Daniel Alfredsson doesn’t have a formal role with the Senators’ franchise just yet, he will down the road and it’s just a matter of time.

The former Senators captain sat in the front row beside general manager Pierre Dorion during the press conference at Gate 1 of the Canadian Tire Centre and Alfredsson will be back soon.

As a part owner of Geoff Molson’s Montreal Canadiens, Andlauer played a role in bringing Guy Lafleur back into a role with the Habs. You can expect that he’ll do the same with the 50-year-old Alfredsson.

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He’s stated publicly he wants to play a meaningful role with the Senators.

“I want him too,” Andlauer told TSN’s Claire Hanna. “This guy embodies everything I believe in. He was understated when he was picked in the sixth round and look what he accomplished.

“It’s not just about the points but it’s off the ice as well. He lives here with his family, he’s a family man and he’s real. That’s exactly what I love. There’s an alignment there. I said to him, ‘You never left the organization in a lot of people’s eyes’.

“That’s a work in progress but I’m looking forward to having him back.”

Andlauer and Alfredsson have spent a lot of time together since the Toronto billionaire agreed to purchase the team on June 13. The first time they got together was at Alfredsson’s home in Rockcliffe and they have spent a lot of time getting to know each other since.

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The belief is Alfredsson could take on a role as senior vice-president of development but there’s a lot of moving parts here.

The talk is at some point Edmonton Oilers’ Steve Staois will join the organization in a role as president of hockey operations and it would be no surprise to see that happen once the dust settles here.

Andlauer was part of the Habs when the club hired Jeff Gorton to be the president of hockey operations and named former agent Kent Hughes as the general manager. It would be no surprise if there was a similar structure here with the expectation general manager Pierre Dorion will remain in his role.

Having Alfredsson back in the fold would be a nice addition. He can pass his knowledge along to the players, give them tips or be a shoulder to lean on when times are tough just by being around.

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Alfredsson didn’t want to discuss any possible role when chatting with reporters after the news conference.

“We’ll talk,” Alfredsson said. “Today, I’m just here to support Michael.”

You can be certain it was Leeder who played a key role in hooking up Andlauer with Alfredsson. The two have a long history from Alfredsson’s days with the organization and it makes sense for the organization to have people like them involved.

Leeder’s return to the fold just made sense.

He held the post as president and CEO from 2009-to-2017 before he was let go by late owner Eugene Melnyk, but Leeder, 64, played a key role in Andlauer’s bid to purchase the Senators and left his post as CEO of the Myers’ Automotive group to return to his roots.

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Who says you can’t go home again?

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with the team, Michael and our community in the months and the years ahead” said Leeder. “I’m very grateful. Sometimes in life you’ve got to take important steps, even when the path that lies ahead isn’t clear.

“This is one of those important steps and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Andlauer just thought it made sense to bring back Leeder.

The Senators used to be one of the top teams in revenues in the NHL during the early 2000s. Those numbers have dwindled in recent years, and they’ve fallen as low as 30th, closer to the Arizona Coyotes than the top earning teams in the league.

Leeder knows the business community here and can get them back on board. It will help that local businesspeople Jeff York and Ted Wagstaff have brought in limited partners with roots in the Ottawa area.

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Plus, there’s investors like the Malhotra family from Claridge Homes that wanted to be part of the new era.

Andlauer wanted to make sure Leeder was part of the picture.

“When I told the employees Leeder was coming bacl, they were whistling so I know I was doing the right thing,” Andlauer said. “He’s got 25 years of experience with the team; the staff knows him, and he knows the market. Everyone I’ve spoken to has the utmost respect for him.

“He loves this city, and he truly bleeds red, black and gold.”

bgarrioch@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/sungarrioch

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