Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk's bid to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats is "very much alive after getting formal approval to take the negotiations to the next step," according to Bruce Garrioch of the OTTAWA CITIZEN. The National Capital Commission BOD on Thursday gave the Senators "preferential status ... to continue the negotiations to strike a deal and begin construction of the new arena." The team now can "get down to brass tacks with the federal government to make the dream of moving the club downtown a reality," though it is "going to take at least another year to work out the details." The Senators "want to hold their opening night there for the 2020-21 campaign," but it "sounds like there won't be a shovel in the ground before the calendar turns to 2018 -- or possibly later" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 11/25).
PROGRESS IN CALGARY? Sportsnet's Kelly Hrudey reported the Flames "feel very encouraged" by the city of Calgary's "determination to get a new facility." Both the team and the city are "listening to each other's proposals." The city "wants the new arena to go in the East Village, and the Flames are sticking with where they like -- the West Village -- which was the original proposal." There is "still a lot of communication" between the two parties, and Calgary Sports & Entertainment President & CEO Ken King believes "there could be a deal to be made." Meanwhile, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi "was spotted at the Rio Olympics this summer, and there's discussion that Calgary might be putting in a bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics." Hrudey: "It seems as though there is progress" ("Hockey Night In Canada," Sportsnet, 11/26).
