The NHL has accepted the sale of the Ottawa Senators to a group led by Michael Andlauer

Final approval has been given to the Ottawa Senators sale.

By unanimous vote, the NHL board of governors approved the club's transfer to a consortium headed by Michael Andlauer, and the transaction was finalized, the league said on Thursday.

It was stated by the Senators that Andlauer will take over as team leader from now on.

For almost $1 billion, the Andlauer company agreed to buy the team in June.

"From the players to the staff to the most passionate fans in the game, the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club is an amazing organization," Andlauer said in a press statement. “My family and I are thrilled to officially be a part of Ottawa’s team and the Ottawa-Gatineau community.

When owner Eugene Melnyk passed away in November of last year, his daughters retained 10% of the Senators and the team was put up for sale.

AHL affiliate Belleville Senators, owned by Ottawa, were also approved for Andlauer's ownership by the American Hockey League board of directors.

Since the 2017 Eastern Conference final loss to the Boston Bruins, the Senators have missed the playoffs every year.