‘Nobody is looking for a handout’ for new Senators arena: Bettman
CTV
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says it will be up to the new owners of the Senators to decide whether to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats or at another location in Ottawa.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says it will be up to the new owners of the Senators to decide whether to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats or at another location in Ottawa.
And the commissioner says he did not ask for any public dollars to help build a new arena during a meeting with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
"Nobody is looking for a handout," Bettman said.
Bettman held meetings with Sutcliffe, officials with the National Capital Commission and Senators staff during his visit to Ottawa on Monday, and attended the Senators game against Florida at Canadian Tire Centre. The visit comes as the process to sell the Senators enters the next phase, winnowing down the prospective buyers in the running for the club to approximately six.
During his day-long visit to Ottawa, the commissioner said it could be early to mid summer before a new owner is in place for the Senators.
"This isn't a race. This about getting it right," Bettman said.
"We're not on the clock; the goal is to get it right. If it takes a little longer, it takes a little longer," Bettman said, adding the remaining groups aiming to buy the Senators will visit Ottawa during the second phase of the sale process
