The Ottawa Senators are less than two months removed from their very public divorce with former CEO Jim Little, who had only been on the job for 54 days. That dismissal came with very different explanations, including Little’s recounting of a tense phone conversation with owner Eugene Melnyk. Today, Little’s replacement may have been found as the Senators have hired Anthony LeBlanc as president of business operations.
LeBlanc, a former RIM/BlackBerry executive, has previous experience in the NHL after serving as the CEO and co-owner of the Arizona Coyotes from 2013-17. He left that position when Andrew Barroway bought out the minority shareholders and took over as sole owner of the Coyotes (he has since sold the team). Going from the Coyotes to the Senators is a homecoming for LeBlanc however, as he is an Ottawa native and used today’s announcement to profess his long-time fandom of the franchise:
I am thrilled to be appointed to the position of President of Business Operations with the Senators. Having been a diehard Senators fan since the Sens rejoined the league, this opportunity is truly an honour. I look forward to working closely with the entire staff as we prepare for an exciting chapter in the history of the Senators. I am confident that my experience in the NHL, as well as my sales and marketing background in the technology sector, will be put to good use here in the National Capital Region.
The business side of the Senators front office has been in flux for years, with many executives moving in and out quickly. Perhaps LeBlanc will be the one to find his footing and help turn the organization around financially—whenever they are allowed to return to the ice.
Congrats to Anthony “My Middle Name is 55 Days or Bust!” LeBlanc! You’re the next victim, er, contestant on “Melnyk’s Right and You Are NOT!”
$20 he doesn’t last through the calendar year.