Ottawa Senators Sale: Elliotte Friedman sheds more light on the potential sale and buyers

The bidding for the Ottawa Senators hockey team is heating up, and Sens fans won't have to wait long to see their beloved team under new ownership.

Elliotte Friedman discussed the club's sale on his most recent "32 Thoughts Podcast" episode. He said:

"One of my sources sent me a note saying and said, 'The next step in the process is what’s called a check bid, where they are going to ask all of the groups to resubmit after doing more work and affirm or raise their price. And then they will pick someone after their best and final and give them the opportunity to close the deal.' So that’s kind of where we are right now."

Friedman also stated that there is no confirmation of the actual bidding number. But he believes that a stalking bid is possible and that if it comes quickly enough, it can put everyone on notice.

"I haven’t been able to confirm the number yet. I hope to do it down here but I’ve had a couple of guys tell me that they think that there is a stalking horse bid out there. Because these are non-binding. If somebody comes out of the gates quicker, it puts everybody on notice."

Elliotte also believes that there are serious bidders in line with the amount of money. And if NHL commissioner Garry Bettman receives the actual bid amount, it will come as a surprise to many people:

"The one thing I believe is that there will be some very serious bids involving people with a lot of money and if Bettman was hoping he was gonna get a number here that is really going to surprise people and make his look kind of good, I think it’s possible that that happens."

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The Ottawa Senators could be sold for a record-breaking $1 billion

Eugene Melnyk was instrumental in reviving the Ottawa Senators after they were declared bankrupt in 2003. The long-time Toronto resident paid $130 million for the Canadian Tire Centre and the Ottawa Senators Club. Following Melnyk's death in March 2022, the club was put up for sale in November, and many suitors have expressed interest in purchasing it.

According to the Ottawa Sun, the club's sale could reach $1 billion once all progress and documentation is completed in the coming months. According to reports, the NHL may finally reach an agreement with one of the frontrunners for ownership next month, with paperwork expected to be on the desk by July 1.

Actor Ryan Reynolds, Toronto-based billionaire Michael Andlauer, and former Pittsburgh Penguins investors Jeffery and Michael Kimel are reported to be the frontrunners for ownership of the Ottawa Senators.