Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer brings increased visibility and engagement with fans and media, a change since he took ownership just under two years ago. It is uncommon for both the owner and general manager to address the media in early June, highlighting Andlauer`s open approach.
Andlauer demonstrated his enthusiasm by clicking his heels as he approached the media on Friday.
Similar to the previous ownership, Andlauer isn`t hesitant to speak candidly in public, referencing his accusation of the New York Rangers for tampering last December.
He promptly dismissed a media report that suggested the Ottawa Senators were considering trading Drake Batherson.
“Totally false,” Andlauer stated emphatically. “It`s not right. There`s no truth to that.”
The organization was clearly displeased by the report.
General Manager Steve Staios confirmed he spoke with Batherson regarding the trade rumors.
“Drake didn’t seem concerned at all. Talked to him mostly about his training and how he’s going to approach the summer,” Staios commented.
The owner`s definitive statement on Batherson`s trade status creates an interesting dynamic, particularly as Staios is known for an “everything is on the table” philosophy when considering player transactions.
It remains to be seen how Andlauer`s public denial of a Batherson trade possibility will influence future decisions.
Providing an update on the potential new arena at LeBreton Flats, Andlauer reported that discussions “are moving forward not backward.”
Adding to his financial capacity, Andlauer recently sold his Andlauer Healthcare Group for a reported $1.6 billion, which could provide substantial resources for a new arena project and team investment.
When asked about the team`s future spending relative to the salary cap, Andlauer explained, “As it stands right now, our cash over cap is higher,” indicating that the Senators` actual player payroll for next season will exceed their cap number.
For the 2025-26 season, the Senators already have player salary commitments exceeding $83 million.
Andlauer acknowledged the challenges of being a “small market team.” He noted that while their gate revenue during the playoffs was good, some teams generate significantly more revenue (“some teams did two-and-a-half times more revenue than we did”), offering perspective on Hockey Related Revenue (HRR). Despite this, he expressed confidence, stating, “I`m OK with that. I think we`ll be competitive.”
Both Andlauer and Staios indicated that the Senators are unlikely to utilize their full projected $15 million in salary cap space.
Staios commented, “I think I have an idea in mind that it`s probably not going to be up there.”
Staios highlighted his activity last summer despite having less cap space, successfully acquiring players like Linus Ullmark and Nick Jensen and signing free agents such as David Perron, Michael Amadio, and Nick Cousins, positioning the team near the upper salary cap limit.
Throughout his tenure as GM, Staios has consistently worked to add players through trades and free agency.
He concluded, “I think that now we`re striving for more.”
Andlauer also stressed the strategic importance of drafting and developing players as a cost-effective way to build the roster. He contrasted his willingness to invest significant funds, having “backed up the Brinks truck” so far, with the potential hesitation of past owners, although the future level of spending remains to be seen.
The “advantage” held by teams in low-tax areas like Florida and Dallas is a frequent topic of discussion around the league.
Andlauer proposed a potential solution he`s discussed with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman: allowing players to be paid in the local currency of the country where they play. He believes this would provide Canadian teams with greater stability and predictability in managing their payroll, shielding them from daily fluctuations in the Canadian-U.S. dollar exchange rate.
He shared an anecdote from a recent trip to the NHL combine in Buffalo, where a border patrol agent remarked on Brady Tkachuk potentially leaving due to high taxes in Canada. Andlauer countered that taxes in places like New York are similarly high, reinforcing his view that currency exchange is the more significant challenge.
He drew a comparison to the transport industry, which employs a fuel surcharge mechanism between Canada and the U.S.
In addition to advocating for currency reform, Andlauer is still actively seeking to recover the Senators` 2026 first-round pick, which was forfeited as a penalty related to the mishandled Evgenii Dadonov trade in 2021.
Andlauer stated he has sought forgiveness for the lost pick, emphasizing, “I was going to go on my knees and plead for forgiveness,” while reiterating that the incident “was never on my watch.”
Turning focus to General Manager Steve Staios, known for his guarded communication style, he addressed the pressing issue of Claude Giroux`s future with the team.
“It takes two sides,” Staios noted. “There’s good dialogue between both sides and I think we want to find some common ground.”
Speculation arises as to whether a resolution for Giroux might involve contract structuring with bonuses or deferred money to minimize the impact on the salary cap hit.
