The Ottawa Senators are widely expected to be the next NHL franchise sold after a report from Sportico indicated the Melnyk family had begun exploring its options regarding a potential sale. Early on, some big names have been floated as potential buyers of the Senators, including renowned actor and Canada native Ryan Reynolds. During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Reynolds addressed the rumors that he's interested in buying the franchise.

“I am, trying to (buy the Senators),” said Reynolds. “It's very expensive… I need a partner with really deep pockets… It's called a consortium… It's just a fancy way of saying I need a Sugar Mommy or Sugar Daddy.”

Reynolds revealed that he has a strong connection to Ottawa. While he grew up in Vancouver, Reynolds said that he also spent time growing up in Vanier, Ottawa. Among the reasons previously mentioned as to why the actor would want to join an ownership group to purchase the Senators is the hope of keeping the franchise in Ottawa.

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Reynolds, 46, is the owner of a Welsh football club, Wrexham AFC, which he purchased alongside It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Rob McElhenney. There's an ongoing Hulu documentary series about the team and the town of Wrexham, too.

The Senators are owned by the Melnyk family, but after Eugene Melnyk passed away in March of 2022, speculation that the franchise could soon be put up for sale followed. Fast forward to November, and it seems the Melnyk family is considering a sale, which could open the door for Ryan Reynolds, as part of a larger consortium, to place a bid.