@mysens I fully agree that Melnyk has the right core idea in principle. An NHL team that owns its own multi-use arena should be able to sustain itself financially in an appropriate market. I believe Ottawa is an appropriate market. It is not an easy market, but it is big enough and passionate enough to be viable. On that much I agree with you yet there are many, many people on these boards that simply will not accept that idea.
However, Melnyk continually inserts himself into hockey operations, is unpredictable and potentially unhinged at times. This behavior has poisoned the well. I would say that Bryden's constant threats to move the team were likely worse, but Bryden was able to project a more likable public persona. Bryden seemed genuine in his passion for the Sens. Melnyk appears self-serving and loathsome.
If Melnyk were to simply hand over the complete operation of the team to competent management/PR staff, I firmly believe that he could still instruct that staff to direct their efforts into building a financially viable enterprise. Those directives would be in the background and not constantly made public. The organization would run much more smoothly and with considerably less drama.
In this situation, Melnyk is his own worst enemy. His shenanigans continually erode progress and public confidence.
But this is a business and the team should be financially viable without banking on future valuations. It should make a profit (or come close) year in and year out. Yes, there will be down years, but it should not be constantly in crisis. The current low season ticket levels are a byproduct of Melnyk's antics and public statements conflated by poor messaging from the team, a perceived 'boring coaching style' (albeit this year is different) bizarre interpersonal player turmoil and a general loss of the public's trust.
People have disposable income in this city. They have a LOT of it. Look at the number of BMW, Mercedes, Range Rovers, etc. Look at the number of McMansions being built. Heck, I'm even taking my family on a Caribbean vacation this winter. The money is there. But I personally won't hand over hundreds of dollars to watch a trap game or pay $30 for parking. This year it's a bit of a shame because it looks like the on ice product is becoming exciting. It's too bad Tkachuk is injured right now because young players like him are driving the renewal of interest in the team. Much more so than retaining EK in my personal opinion.