Also of note was the Senators' owner's ongoing feud with the City of Ottawa and it's usually ubiquitous Mayor Jim Watson regarding Melnyk's dashed hopes to open a Casino at the Canadian Tire Centre. Watson's absence from the event was noted by Ottawa media (who really are used to seeing the Mayor everywhere) - but despite the snub, Melnyk appears to be softening his formerly aggressive stance somewhat.

Wayne Scanlan had that story:

Naturally, city reporters wondered if hizzoner was being snubbed, due to the hockey club’s ongoing battle with the city over a potential casino site next to Melnyk’s hockey arena in Kanata. The Senators owner was outraged over the handling of the casino file, claiming a marked card deck in favour of building one near the Rideau Carlton Raceway.

Melnyk has threatened legal action over the issue, and recently made some cutting remarks about Watson on a Toronto radio station.

But on Friday a more conciliatory Melnyk appealed to the city for co-operation to help the Senators “work through” the team’s problem generating the kind of revenues the owner says the team needs to thrive here.

“We’re now regrouping to see what we might be able to still do with the city’s co-operation,” Melnyk said. “At this point, we’re hoping for the best … all our options are open right now.”

Despite keeping his options on the table, though, Melnyk did commit to keeping the team in Ottawa - though he reiterated that he still has no plan 'C' after the Casino bid:

Melnyk reiterated he remains committed to the hockey club, but continued to sound the alarm on the difficulty of making ends meet running an NHL club in what he termed a “price-sensitive market” like Ottawa.

“As far as the organization is concerned, again … the idea of moving the team is just not a reality. That’s not going to happen,” Melnyk said.

Full story here