Will Michael Andlauer Have a Say in Senators' Strategies This Month?

Michael Andlauer isn't officially the owner yet, but he'll almost certainly have input on big decisions this summer.

From November 2022 to June 2023, the sale of the Ottawa Senators was a long, drawn-out process. But the waiting game isn't totally over. Michael Andlauer still has a ton of work ahead before he officially becomes the new owner.

For example, Andlauer has to find a buyer for his shares in the Montreal Canadiens, then negotiate and close, which means paperwork. He has to fully organize his new minority partners in Ottawa, which means paperwork. And he has to formalize the fine print on the sales agreement with the Melnyk estate, which means, ugh... more paperwork.

As Andlauer puts this thing together, getting everything in writing, he'll probably need a team of lawyers bigger than his NHL roster.

The 57-year-old made his first trip to Ottawa Tuesday, touring the city, meeting with club officials, and even checking in with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

After all the past mud slinging between former Mayor Jim Watson and Eugene Melnyk, it's refreshing to finally see a co-operative new spirit between the team and City Hall.

It's also believed that Andlauer was going to huddle with Senator Hall of Famer Daniel Alfredsson at some point. Most Sens fans would agree that bringing Alfredsson back to the team in a hockey role is an even better gift from the owner than a free Eagles concert.

Officially speaking, Andlauer can't do anything with the team until the franchise sale is fully completed, likely sometime around the start of training camp. 

But let's talk about how things will probably work... unofficially.

Postmedia reports that Senators governor Sheldon Plener, as a courtesy to Andlauer, may have to contact the NHL before making any trades, signing players or anything that involves big money. The league would then contact Andlauer.

At that point, presumably could then share his opinion on the matter. 

And that opinion, even though he's not officially the owner yet, means everything.

Remember, the sellers (Anna and Olivia Melnyk) not only want this deal to go through smoothly, but they'll very soon be in the unique position of being partners with their buyer. 

For the record, there's been no suggestion Andlauer plans to veto or insist on anything before the sale is done. But if the incoming boss quietly asks a Sens employee to hire, fire, trade, acquire, draft, sign, release or buy someone out over the next few weeks, then it's probably going to happen... all very unofficially, of course. 

And that's not unreasonable. After all, if GM Pierre Dorion is amping up for another "Summer of Pierre," he'll basically be using Andlauer's Visa to pay for it. 

The deal may not be done, but for all intents and purposes, control of the Ottawa Senators has already shifted. And we're betting that's a good thing.