Senators' Melnyk wins initial bidding for new downtown rink

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk's RendezVous LeBreton was granted preferred status on Thursday, winning the bid to redevelop LeBreton Flats - the coveted slice of real estate close to the downtown core.

It's now up to him and his team to negotiate with the National Capital Commission, which recommended his bid over another submission, to broker a deal that will bring the Senators a new arena.

Melnyk said this move "solidifies" the team, and hopes it's a step toward bringing the modern incarnation of the franchise its first Stanley Cup to Ottawa.

Immediately looking ahead, Melnyk announced shortly after the decision that the plan is to have the Senators begin their 2021-22 season in an arena built downtown.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly was encouraged by Thursday's announcement.

"I think today's decision is an extremely positive one for the Sens, their fans and for the National Hockey League," Daily wrote in an email to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.

"We couldn't be happier for Eugene and his team. They have worked very hard on this project and they are determined to be successful."

According to the Senators owner, plans for the Canadian Tire Center in Kanata, Ontario will be unveiled when the process is completed.