Ottawa Senators Owner Michael Andlauer: "No Doubt, Last Year Was Crazy"

Michael Andlauer had no shortage of challenges in his first year as owner of the Ottawa Senators. Andlauer had to deal with a top player getting suspended for half a season, firing his GM following a botched trade from the past, losing a first-round pick because of it, and then firing his coaching staff.

That was from the outside looking in. Imagine how it all looked to Andlauer.

"No doubt last year was crazy," Andlauer said today on the Coming in Hot podcast. "I'd say I was going 100 miles an hour in a 50 (zone), but I was going well over that last year. And it was with the windows open."

Despite the challenges and frustrations, his first year as owner of the Senators was about learning and making good decisions, not knee-jerk reactions.

"There's some really good pieces here in Ottawa, both on and off the ice, and you have people that really care," Andlauer said. "So it's important not to be hasty and just observe. I bought this team for the long term, not overnight."

Andlauer says he understands that fans can be impatient, pointing out the "Fire DJ" chants in December during D.J. Smith's final days as head coach of the club. Andlauer reminded the fans that he's one of them. 

"I get it. I'm as big a fan. And I told the players at the end of the year that one of the things I learned is I really hate to lose. But we've been able to focus on the hockey ops. That was the first order of the day because I think that's what the fans look for in the fan experience – to have a winning product on the ice and to have confidence in our team and pride in our team."

Andlauer also revealed his admiration for GM Steve Staios for accomplishing everything he did last season while facing family challenges on the home front.

"Steve's done an incredible, incredible job," Andlauer said. "People don't know how hard he worked through this whole process. And not to delve into his personal life, but his wife (Susannah) had medical issues with going through chemo through this whole period. 

"The guy is a hero in my eyes for what he was able to accomplish in less than a year. But a lot has been done, and a lot of work still needs to be done. We have a nice foundation here, and we have some really great young, talented, well-intentioned superstars on our team who need to be moulded the right way."

As part of his "best in class" philosophy, Andlauer spoke a couple of times about the importance of giving Staios and all of his employees the tools they need to succeed. That might involve investing in payroll, offices, or proper facilities for off-ice training or medical treatment. 

By giving employees what they need to do their jobs well, Andlauer says that allows him to hold everyone accountable.

"Let's just say that in every aspect, we want to have the best possible. We don't want mediocrity."

No interview with the owner would be complete without asking about a new arena. A deadline of September 20th, 2024, has been set for the NCC and the Senators to get a deal in place to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats. The Sens have preferred bidder status and the deadline has already been extended by a year to get to this point.

"I'm optimistic," Andlauer said. "I met with the NCC as late as last week. And that's the first step. I guess, to be perfectly transparent, the original deal was really more window dressing to making sure that this team got sold at the highest price.

"I think the NCC is well-intentioned. Some people are probably rolling their eyes right now because of the experience they've had with the NCC. But, you know, you've got to go in there with good intentions. And I think they understand what our fans need.

"To not have parking availabilities is not something that's good for the fans, for example. 

"For me, everything I do is about the fan and the fan experience."

Michael Andlauer's first year as owner of the Ottawa Senators has certainly been a whirlwind. While the road ahead may still have its bumps, on and off the ice, the franchise definitely looks poised for better days.

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