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Andlauer With The AHL Bulldogs
Michael Andlauer’s journey of hockey ownership began in 2002 when his investment group purchased the Hamilton Bulldogs, a franchise in the American Hockey League at the time. Andlauer would own the Bulldogs as the majority stakeholder shortly after in 2004. Michael Andlauer recognized the way Hamilton citizens lived for hockey like himself. Andlauer was behind the scenes of many successful teams during his time with the AHL Bulldogs. Under his ownership, the Bulldogs won the Calder Cup in 2007, made the finals in 2002, and made the playoffs in 10 of 15 seasons. Andlauer’s AHL Bulldogs finished with 517 wins, 387 losses, and 102 OT/SO losses over their 15 seasons.
Shifting The Bulldogs To The OHL
At The end of the 2014-2015 AHL season, Michael Andlauer announced that the former AHL Bulldogs would relocate to Montreal. Even though the team was leaving Hamilton, hockey was not, as Andlauer announced he would be purchasing the OHL Belleville Bulls and moving them to Hamilton. The team would be renamed the Hamilton Bulldogs and would begin playing in the 2015-2016 season.
While Andlauer had notable success with his AHL Bulldogs, it paled in comparison to his success with the OHL Bulldogs. In the relatively small amount of time Hamilton has had their OHL team, they have accomplished plenty. In 7 seasons, the Bulldogs managed to win 2 OHL championships in 2017-2018 and 2021-2022. The team also managed to make the finals of the 2022 Memorial Cup before being defeated by the Saint Johns Sea Dogs.
NHL Ownership
Before purchasing the Ottawa Senators, Michael Andlauer built on his success with the Bulldogs by investing in the Montreal Canadiens. Andlauer had set his sights on the highest level of professional hockey. In 2011 he became a minority owner (10%) of the Montreal Canadiens. This move cemented Andlauer’s love of the sport and expressed he was involved in more than just the money.
Today, Michael Andlauer was named the preferred bidder for the Ottawa Senators in a USD 950 million deal. The deal involves 20+ local investors including Jeff York and the Melnyk sisters (who will retain 10%). This deal gives Andlauer his first taste of majority NHL ownership, and he plans to make some changes to management.
Rumors Regarding The Senators Owner
New Arena
Since the news release on the morning of the 13th, rumors have been running rampant regarding the Senators and their future with Andlauer. Possibly the biggest and most exciting news was reported by David Pagnotta.
Senators fans have been dreaming about a new rink being built closer to the city center. While LeBreton still seems like the most likely and ideal option for a new building, we will have to wait and see what news comes out.
Steve Staios
Another rumor regarding the newly led Senators is that Steve Staios is being connected to the franchise.
This news regarding the future of the Senators team is very exciting. Michael Andlauer has already been mentioned to have intentions of making major changes to the management side of the team. He would like to revamp and modernize the current Senators behind-the-scenes infrastructure which is exciting news for fans. The biggest question mark is what position Steve Staios will fill if brought to the team. As discussed, it appears he will join the Senators in some capacity, likely as the GM. Could this mean Pierre Dorion’s time in Ottawa is up? Or is he in the position to remain GM/be promoted to President Of Hockey Operations?
Staios and Andlauer have a history together that goes back to their time with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Andlauer had hired Staios to fill the role of GM and President of the Bulldogs for 7 years until he was hired as a special advisor to hockey operations with the Edmonton Oilers. During their time together, the two experienced great success as previously discussed, making the playoffs each season and winning 2 OHL championships.
If you would like to hear more about Steve Staios, check out this article.
Who Will Be The Senators GM This Upcoming Season?
Patrick Roy Leaves QMJHL
Michael Andlauer and Patrick Roy had been connected throughout the bidding process for the Ottawa Senators. It was believed that Andlauer was potentially leaning towards bringing in Roy as the new head coach of the Sens. This news today added fuel to the fire that their could be an NHL coaching reunion for Roy with the Senators. Roy is coming off of a dominant Memorial Cup victory with the Remparts and is looking for NHL redemption.
Check out this article discussing what I believe the Senators should do with head coach DJ Smith.
Should DJ Smith Return Next Season?
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