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Former Senators president Leeder says he saw change coming

OTTAWA — An emotional Cyril Leeder stopped by the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday afternoon for one fond, final farewell before he steps out of the spotlight.

The former Senators president, who was replaced by former Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment executive Tom Anselmi on Wednesday, told reporters he saw the decision by owner Eugene Melnyk coming, but after being with the organization since its inception, it was difficult just the same.

He said he has no hard feelings.

“Nothing would make me happier than to see the team win,” Leeder said.

Part of the group that founded the Senators with Bruce Firestone and Randy Sexton, Leeder was always aware this day could come.