Ottawa Senators owner Melnyk facing counterclaim for more than $1 billion
OTTAWA — The battle between Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and business partner John Ruddy over a proposed new downtown arena has escalated.
Ruddy and Trinity Development Group Inc., are seeking more than $1 billion in damages from Melnyk and Capital Sports Management Inc., after filing a counterclaim on Tuesday.
Last month, Melnyk filed a $700-million lawsuit against Ruddy, Trinity and others after the two sides couldn’t come to terms on a plan to redevelop land at LeBreton Flats, which was slated to include a new NHL arena as well as other developments.
In the counterclaim, Trinity calls Melnyk’s lawsuit “meritless” and says “the claim against John Ruddy is especially scandalous.”