Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has passed away suddenly at age 62

The Ottawa Senators have announced that longtime owner Eugene Melnyk has passed away at age 62 after battling an undisclosed illness.

From the Senators' official press release:

t is with great sadness that the family of Eugene Melnyk and the Ottawa Senators hockey organization announce his passing on March 28, 2022 after an illness he faced with determination and courage.

Loving father to Anna and Olivia, Eugene was a devoted son to Vera and the late Dr. Ferdinand Melnyk, a caring brother to Lydia and a loving companion to Sharilyne. The businessman, sports franchise owner and philanthropist died peacefully surrounded by his family and will be fondly remembered by his many friends and associates.

- Ottawa Senators

More to come on this developing story.

Melnyk has been a divisive figure in the Senators' history, but the fact remains that Melnyk was very much committed to the team and he showed his passion for his team like few other owners in the NHL. He wasn't exactly adored, or even respected, by a lot of the team's fanbase but there's no denying the fact that he saved the team from relocation when he purchased them in 2003. I think even the biggest Melnyk bashers online would agree that this isn't the way they wanted to see Melnyk relinquish his power. After all, this is just a silly game that we all watch for fun. Put your allegiances aside for a moment and think about the wife and two daughters that Melnyk leaves behind. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Melnyk family and the entire Senators' organization during this difficult time.

As for the "Melnyk Era" in Senators franchise history, it'll be remembered as one of the most up and down eras in any NHL team's history. Melnyk purchased the team out of bankruptcy in 2003 and would turn the team into a powerhouse in the coming years. On the backs of superstars like Marian Hossa, Dany Heatley and captain Daniel Aldredsson the Sens would reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2007, only to lose to the Anaheim Ducks.

The years following that 2007 saw the Sens ice some good teams and produce quality players, only to have those players leave town once they insisted on large contracts. Melnyk was a notoriously shrewd negotiator and had no problem seeing stars like Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone leave town for big money deals elsewhere.

With a new crop of talent with the likes of Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot and Tim Stuetzle starring for the team the future looks bright once again in Ottawa. Time will tell if these players deliver on Melnyk's dream to deliver a Stanley Cup back to the nation's capital. 

Rest in peace, Mr. Melnyk.