Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion vowed to complete the plan he and the late Eugene Melnyk envisioned before the team owner's death Monday.
"He meant a lot to a lot of people; our players, coaching staff, and obviously our management group," an emotional Dorion told the media, including TSN, at the NHL GM meetings Tuesday.
Dorion continued: "He'll be missed dearly. We started something together, and we're going to finish it. He'll be so proud of us, and he'll be looking down on us."
Melnyk died Monday at the age of 62. He bought the Senators in 2003, helping them escape bankruptcy. Ottawa named Dorion GM in April 2016. The 49-year-old had spent nine years with the club before his promotion, including two-plus campaigns as an assistant GM.
"He allowed me to be one of the 32 GMs in the league... I'm so thankful for him for giving me that opportunity."
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An emotional Pierre Dorion addressed the media after the passing of Senators owner Eugene Melnyk, vowing to finish what they started and to deliver him a Stanley Cup. pic.twitter.com/LlDCwimjOQ
Dorion added Tuesday that he believes the Senators will win the Stanley Cup someday, and Melnyk's lasting legacy is he would be "a big part of that, if not the biggest."
Ottawa head coach D.J. Smith also gave a statement about Melnyk.
"It's very unfortunate for the Senators organization and for the city of Ottawa," Smith said. "Condolences to (Melnyk's daughters) Anna and Olivia. Ultimately, that's what's most important at this time."
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