from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

Ryan Reynolds departure from the sale process of the Ottawa Senators feels like a huge, missed opportunity.

Not only for the Senators, but also for the National Hockey League....

Talk about a sinking feeling....

The decision of the 46-year-old Vancouver-born Reynolds and Christopher Bratty of the Remington Group to pull out of the bidding for the Senators is a blow being felt from Carleton Place to Cumberland.

Two weeks ago, Postmedia reported that the group led by Reynolds and Bratty was poised to make a $1-billion bid (all figures US) for the franchise. That offer was presented to New York-based banker Galatioto Sports Partners around the same time....

It felt like such a good fit. Reynolds spent part of his youth in Vanier and has maintained connections to the city. He has a street named after him and made a large charitable donation to the Ottawa Food Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic with his wife, actress Blake Lively.

Twice Reynolds appeared at home games and people at the Canadian Tire Centre were on their feet when he was shown on the video board. People like Reynolds because he’s relatable, down to earth and has never forgotten his Canadian roots.

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