The Ottawa Senators' announcement of two pre-season games in Quebec City, along with owner Michael Andlauer's openness to regular-season games there, ignited a firestorm among Ottawa fans. This was further fueled by the Senators' mascot, Spartacat, appearing in a jersey blending the Senators' logo with the defunct Quebec Nordiques' logo. While Senators officials aim to clarify that this move is purely about strengthening ties with the francophone community, the backlash raises concerns about the team's future in Ottawa.
The team currently sits third in the Atlantic Division, delivering some of the most exciting hockey this market has seen in years — all while missing their starting goaltender, Linus Ullmark. But the feel-good momentum took a hit Monday when owner Michael Andlauer ignited a public relations firestorm in Quebec City .
“Plan B in case LeBreton Flats fail. The Sens has already had an owner open to move the team. Why wouldn't they have another one? The end is near," another fan posted. Since acquiring the team in 2023, Andlauer has aimed to build ties with the francophone community in Gatineau, just outside Ottawa. What many didn’t understand was the push to attract French-speaking fans four hours away.
The Senators eventually removed the post of Spartacat in the split jersey, and Leeder later shared a message from his personal X account. “I mean, we all went there yesterday excited to announce pre-season games and then the poor guy is getting hit head-on for having half of his jersey as the Nordiques.”
NHL Senators Quebec City Relocation Fan Reaction
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