NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly are “making it clear to anybody bidding to buy" the Senators that they want actor Ryan Reynolds to “be a minority partner,” according sources cited by Bruce Garrioch of the OTTAWA CITIZEN. Not only does the NHL believe that Reynolds "can tell the story of the purchase of the Senators" through his L.A.-based production company, Maximum Effort, but the league’s marketing people also believe that they "can’t buy the exposure" Reynolds can generate. That is why every group that has “signed a non-disclosure agreement and is looking at the Senators’ books has been told to reach out to Reynolds.” It is believed that he has “talked with the likes of Toronto businessman Michael Andlauer, Toronto billionaires Jeffrey and Michael Kimel and a mystery group.” Reynolds initially was going to “align himself with one particular group,” but he has “been advised by the NHL to hold off on choosing a partnership.” Instead, the NHL “wants to see who is going to buy the team and then have them bring Reynolds into the mix.” Sources said that Reynolds is “excited about being involved with the Senators because he believes there’s potential for growth in the Ottawa marketplace.” The indications are Reynolds has “kept in regular touch” with Bettman and the NHL throughout the sales process. While N.Y.-based Galatioto Sports Partners is “handling the sale,” the league’s exec committee “must vet the new owners and approve the team’s sale” (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 12/9).
Ryan Reynolds initially was going to align himself with one particular group, but he has been advised by the NHL to hold off on choosing a partnershipGetty Images