Senators owner Eugene Melnyk stable after successful liver transplant
Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is recovering and in stable condition after undergoing a successful liver transplant, the team announced Tuesday.
The Senators said that the 55-year-old Melnyk and the anonymous donor are doing well after the eight-hour operation at Toronto General Hospital.
The team said last week Melnyk, who bought the team in 2003, needed a transplant after he was hospitalized with complications of the liver. More than 500 people offered to help before 12 people were put through a screening process.
"I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the public and the media. It is truly heartwarming to feel loved by so many people,” Melnyk said in a statement Monday.
The Senators said that the University Health Network's Multi-Organ Transplant Program will update Melnyk and the donor's progress later in the week.
Melynk also thanked the anonymous donor, the donor’s family and those who expressed their well wishes.
The Senators have dealt with health issues with their staff recently. Assistant coach Mark Reeds died of cancer last month, and general manager Bryan Murray is being treated for colon cancer.
- Scooby Axson