Sens owner Melnyk: Unfortunate that relocation comment hit a real nerve

Eugene Melnyk is reiterating his commitment to Ottawa and the Senators more than a month after suggesting he'd relocate the franchise rather than sell it.

"Whatever was said in December, it's unfortunate that it hit a real nerve in Ottawa," Melnyk said on told CTV's "Your Morning" on Wednesday, per TSN. "The reality is I love the city, I love the people, I love the fans and it's actually my privilege to be there and to ice a team like the Ottawa Senators."

Prior to the NHL100 Classic in Ottawa last month, Melnyk was asked about potentially selling the club, saying, "Imagine if you own a McDonald's franchise. But you can move it. Why would you sell it? It's something that's very difficult to buy. We're doing OK here. Nothing great, but we're doing OK."

In addition to saying it's a privilege to own the club, Melnyk added he believes a new arena closer to downtown will greatly benefit both Ottawa and the Senators, and that the goal remains winning the Stanley Cup despite a poor showing on the ice so far this season.

"I just want to make sure people have their heads held high and are proud of the Ottawa Senators," he said.