Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has died from an illness, his family and the team announced Monday night. He was 62.
“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. The words ‘passion’ and ‘commitment’ define the man who has owned the Ottawa Senators since 2003,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement released on Monday. “Whether it was in the boardroom with his fellow governors, at the rink with his beloved Senators or in the community with his philanthropy, he cared deeply about the game, about his team and about bettering the lives of those in need, particularly underserved children, organ donation and, most recently, with his commitment to his parents' home country of Ukraine.
While successful in business, it was our game and his Senators that he was most passionate about.
Melnyk bought the Senators for $92 million in 2003 and earned praise for the franchise’s early success under his watch. Ottawa reached the Stanley Cup Final just four years later, falling to Anaheim in five games.
However, deeper into his tenure, he encountered personal and professional challenges. He had a liver transplant in 2015 after going public with a donor request. He also received intense criticism from fans as he became the face of organizational dysfunction, particularly beginning in 2017. Multiple star players left on bad terms, and financial issues and the threat of relocation lingered.
Despite rumors of a potential change in ownership in 2018, Melnyk maintained he was not interested in selling the franchise.
“Eugene was often outspoken but he maintained an unwavering commitment to the game and his roots and he loved nothing more than donning a Senators sweater and cheering on his beloved team,” Bettman said.
Melnyk is survived by his daughters, Anna and Olivia.
NHL teams, players and other public figures connected to the NHL shared their reactions to Melnyk’s death on social media, including Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.
Mr. Melnyk provided me, my teammates, and many Sens players who came before us with an opportunity to live out our dream. The Ottawa community will miss you greatly. Condolences to your family. https://t.co/lNeXwUDurF
— brady tkachuk (@BradyTkachuk71) March 29, 2022
The Flames send their deepest condolences to Eugene Melnyk’s family, friends, and the @Senators organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) March 29, 2022
Our condolences go out to the entire Melnyk family and the extended Ottawa Senators organization tonight. The hockey world has lost a dedicated and passionate leader. https://t.co/27B39GTL51
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 29, 2022
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the entire @Senators organization, and the family and friends of Eugene Melnyk during this time 💚 https://t.co/ZjzXnMbC0f
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 29, 2022
We extend our deepest condolences to the @Senators organization as well as the family & friends of Eugene Melnyk. https://t.co/hrovXzuwNV
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 29, 2022
Our heartfelt condolences to the Melnyk family, the Ottawa Senators organization and fans. RIP. https://t.co/5UkGHC2NH9
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) March 29, 2022
The Arizona Coyotes are deeply saddened by the passing of Ottawa Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Melnyk family and the entire Ottawa Senators organization during this difficult time. https://t.co/C3r7TykaWE
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) March 29, 2022
The Winnipeg Jets and True North Sports + Entertainment are saddened to hear of Eugene Melnyk’s passing.
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 29, 2022
A passionate competitor, Mr. Melnyk will be missed by all within the NHL.
We are sending our thoughts to the @senators and the Melnyk family. https://t.co/1fnFKqO73Y
Blues Chairman Tom Stillman issued the following statement on the passing of Eugene Melnyk: “On behalf of the St. Louis Blues, we are saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Melnyk. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Melnyk family and the Senators organization during this time.” https://t.co/03xa5h8it4
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 29, 2022
The Boston Bruins are saddened by the passing of Eugene Melnyk. Our thoughts are with the Melnyk family, the Senators organization, and all of those across the hockey community who are mourning his loss. https://t.co/ASpOdnlwZq
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 29, 2022
The Detroit Red Wings are saddened to learn of the passing of Eugene Melnyk. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Melnyk family and the entire Ottawa Senators organization during this difficult time. ❤️ https://t.co/LOcVDxM0zF
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 29, 2022
The New York Rangers mourn the loss of Eugene Melnyk. Our thoughts are with Mr. Melnyk’s family and friends, as well as the entire Ottawa Senators organization during this difficult time. https://t.co/pkr6QuoIs2
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 29, 2022
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ottawa Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Melnyk family, his friends and the entire @Senators organization. https://t.co/jsJT8SQaCA
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 29, 2022
A statement from Terry and Kim Pegula on the passing of Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. pic.twitter.com/Vk0Yp1WyuW
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) March 29, 2022
Our thoughts and condolences are with Mr. Melnyk’s family and loved ones, as well as the Senators organization during this time. https://t.co/agcHnkXa2m
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) March 29, 2022
The Columbus Blue Jackets send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Eugene Melnyk as well as the entire Ottawa Senators organization during this time ❤️💙 https://t.co/WDxPJQe1Ox
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 29, 2022
The Florida Panthers family joins the hockey community in mourning the loss of Eugene Melnyk.
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 29, 2022
Our thoughts are with the Melnyk family, the Senators organization, and all those who knew him. https://t.co/hHREdUVy1e
Statement from Gary Bettman on the passing tonight of Senators owner Eugene Melnyk: pic.twitter.com/bwQNfdh6Kg
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) March 29, 2022
While we didn’t always see eye to eye on some issues, I was always appreciative that Mr. Melnyk stepped forward to keep the @Senators in Ottawa, solidifying the organization’s place as an integral part of our city. My sincere condolences go out to his family and his colleagues. https://t.co/OGgOcPq8gW
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) March 29, 2022
Shocked and sorry to learn of the passing of Eugene Melnyk. On behalf of the Canucks and the Aquilini family, sincere condolences to Eugene’s family, friends, and the Ottawa Senators.
— Francesco Aquilini (@fr_aquilini) March 29, 2022
You showed unquestionable love for the team you saved. RIP to Mr. Melnyk and my condolences to his daughters. https://t.co/ciRu3WitzL
— Emma Miskew (@emmamiskew) March 29, 2022
Shocked to hear that Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has died at the tender age of 62. #NHL #OttawaSenators
— Hal Roberts 🇨🇦 (@Hal__Roberts) March 29, 2022
Shocked. RIP.
— Chris Pope (@_ChrisPope) March 29, 2022
Former owner of the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors, and a main reason there is #OHL hockey in Niagara, today. https://t.co/tvmFCsRICs
Sad news.
— Sen. Denise Batters (@denisebatters) March 29, 2022
I was fortunate to meet Eugene Melnyk once — at a @Senators game, vs. my fave @NYIslanders.
I was wearing my #Isles jersey, and despite that (and even though the Islanders were winning that game), he was very gracious.
May he rest peacefully. https://t.co/vXUBEegYHm
I really enjoyed getting to know Eugene and attending @Senators games with him. May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/xKovfqICkU
— Bruce A. Heyman (@BruceAHeyman) March 29, 2022
It is impossible for me to express how heartbroken I am tonight. Eugene Melnyk did so much for me and my family in the 20 years I knew him. God bless him and his family. I am gutted. https://t.co/J1GSW0Zz5g
— Roger Lajoie (@TheRog590) March 29, 2022
So sorry to hear. Condolences to the Melnyk Family. https://t.co/fOriRfYhRJ
— Cheryl Pounder (@cherylpounder) March 29, 2022
Our sincere condolences to the Melnyk family. Very sad day. So sorry for your loss. https://t.co/I2bdesRSpv
— Dean Brown (@PxPOttawa) March 29, 2022
Incredibly sad news. Condolences to the entire Melnyk family during this time. https://t.co/ML8YSvsnV8
— Tony Brar (@TonyBrarOTV) March 29, 2022
The mid-2000s were when I really started to become a hockey fan, and Melnyk’s Senators were definitely part of that. Players like Alfredsson, Spezza, Heatley and others were so fun to watch and we likely don’t get to see them together in Canada if not for Melnyk. https://t.co/fhlpACW836
— Ben Dooley (@BenTDooley) March 29, 2022