The owner of the Ottawa Senators says the organization won't abandon Kanata if the team moves downtown.

Eugene Melnyk and his group of bidders for LeBreton Flats hinted Friday at longer-term plans for the Canadian Tire Centre, if the team's home ice moves downtown.

The building would no longer be a rink, they told a Postmedia editorial board.

Melnyk said the team has a plan to repurpose the Canadian Tire Centre and build more on the 76 acres he owns around the Kanata arena.

He's promising details within the next month.

"I think it's going to be a spectacular site even post-Sens," Melnyk said.

Club president Cyril Leeder said it might convert the CTC into a smaller venue and hosting other ice sports, such as curling.

Melnyk was clear the Senators need more revenue beyond hockey, merchandise, sponsorships and food and beverage. That's why building a downtown arena and complementing it with a mixed-use community is important for the Senators.

The club is battling it out with Devcore Canderel DLS, a group that's also proposing an NHL arena for LeBreton, plus other attractions.

Twitter: @JonathanWilling