Melnyk downplays rumors, insists he isn't selling Senators

On the same day Senators general manager Pierre Dorion was out to extinguish the rumors surrounding Erik Karlsson and a potential move out of Ottawa, owner Eugene Melnyk was making some statements of his own.

Related - Senators' Dorion: We want Karlsson for life

"I am not selling the team - period," said Melnyk, according to Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia. "My kids (had) first call on the franchise long ago."

"Let me set the record straight. I have no idea how a reporter fabricated a fiction about my selling the team. These stories pop up out of nowhere probably from someone 'hearing something.'"

Issues with attendance, arena location, and finances have fanned the rumor flames surrounding the Senators and a potential sale. However, the team's owner maintains that's all this is - rumors.

Melnyk also weighed in on the increasingly interesting Erik Karlsson situation and his submission of a non-trade list, which, according to Melnyk, was all part of trying to balance the club's finances.

"This is where the (Karlsson) contract request emanated from," said Melnyk. "All material contracts are reviewed in a process called due diligence - from snow removal to food and beverage to players."

From struggling to string wins together, to trade rumors, to a potential relocation of the team, it's easy to see why things in Ottawa aren't exactly going to plan for Melnyk and Co.

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