Senators owner says there's 'alignment' on goal to build new NHL arena in downtown Ottawa

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer says the fans, politicians and the National Capital Commission appear to be in "alignment" on the desire to build a new arena in downtown Ottawa.

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer says his "gut feel" is a new arena in downtown Ottawa is the right thing for the city and the franchise, and believes there is "alignment" with fans and politicians on the idea.

"Now it's just a matter of working collaboratively and doing what's right," Andlauer said on Thursday morning, during an appearance at the Mayor's Breakfast with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

"For me, that's all I'm going to focus on – what is right, what's right for fans and everything will fall in place."

It's been four weeks since the NHL Board of Governors formally approved Andlauer and his group purchasing the Senators and Canadian Tire Centre.

During the 'fireside chat' at the Mayor's Breakfast, Sutcliffe said there is an "opportunity" for the city and the Senators to discuss a potential new NHL arena for the future, and asked Andlauer for his thoughts on a new arena.

"For me, it's about the fans; it's what the fans want," Andlauer said. "Obviously, that's the engine that drives our team so it's important to listen to the fans. It just so happens our fans live in Ottawa-Gatineau area and they're also taxpayers."

Andlauer told the Mayor's Breakfast that he had dinner at an Elgin Street restaurant after the Senators afternoon game at Canadian Tire Centre last Saturday.