The big 3 Ottawa Senators unknowns: The arena, the owners, and the money

We may not get to spend the spring cheering the Ottawa Senators in the NHL playoffs, but the capital will still be hockey-crazed over the next few months.

That's because after years of strained fan-owner relations, the spectacular failure of a downtown arena redevelopment plan and even a threat to relocate the team, a new start for the Sens is crossing the blue line.

The team is officially for sale after Eugene Melnyk died last year, with a new owner expected to be announced next month. His daughters, who currently own the team, have a signed —but not binding — agreement to build a new arena on LeBreton Flats. 

To kick off the season of Sens mania, the NHL's top brass are arriving this week in the nation's capital.

Commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly touch down today. They're scheduled to meet with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, National Capital Commission (NCC) CEO Tobi Nussbaum and chair Marc Seaman before chatting up reporters and taking in the home game against the Florida Panthers.

Cue the speculation on the identity of the new owners, tentative dreams of a downtown arena, and a contentious debate on the use of public funds to build it.

Questions abound about who's bidding for the team, and Bettman himself has said there's been interest from multiple groups. 

It's no secret that golden boy Ryan Reynolds is involved and has reportedly teamed up with Toronto-area developers The Remington Group. Both Bettman and Daly have indicated the movie star's involvement could be a huge boon to both the franchise and the league.

Ryan Reynolds will become 'frothy, rabies-infused' Sens fan if he's part of successful bid

Toronto billionaire and minority Montreal Canadiens owner Michaal Andlauer has put in a bid, as