Eugene Melnyk was as surprised as everyone else when word filtered out Tuesday that another group was including an NHL-calibre arena in their proposal for the coveted downtown land at LeBreton Flats.

So the Ottawa Senators’ owner picked up the phone and immediately placed a call to the NHL head offices in New York.

“I called Gary Bettman and asked, 'Are we awarding another NHL franchise to Ottawa that I don't know about?'” Melnyk told TSN 1200 on Friday.

Melnyk was quickly assured by the NHL commissioner that there are no plans to house another NHL club in Ottawa. The Senators’ owner made it abundantly clear Friday that he's not willing to let his hockey team play in someone else's building — even if the rival bid ends up winning the LeBreton Flats bid.

“I haven't had any talks with anyone and I'm not interested in talking with anyone. I certainly wouldn't play in that building because we don't control that building,” Melnyk said.

Earlier this week, the National Capital Commission confirmed that only two bids remained in the running for the coveted parcel of downtown land just to the west of the Parliament buildings. It's been long assumed that the Senators are behind the RendezVous LeBreton Group bid, which would see them build a brand new rink in the downtown location. 

However, CTV Ottawa created a stir this week when they reported that the rival bid to the Senators from DCDLS Group was also going to include an NHL-calibre rink in their proposal. The contents of the two final bids are supposed to remain secret until the public consultation process begins at the end of January.

In town for his annual Christmas Skate for Kids — where he donates hockey equipment to underprivileged kids in the Ottawa area — Melnyk reiterated his stance that he is not planning on selling the team under any circumstances. He seemed genuinely disappointed that another group would attach an NHL arena to their downtown proposal, possibly as a strong-arm tactic to pry the team away from his control.

“This one is not for sale — nor will it ever be. Not in my lifetime and I don't think the kids want to give it up either," added Melnyk.

"It was more disappointing because I know they are lying. Simple as that. Whether it's in their submission or not, I have no clue because I didn't see their submission. But certainly, whoever leaked this, shame on them because it's totally misleading."

There is no firm timeline on when the NCC will render a final decision on which party will win the LeBreton Flats bid, but it could happen at some point in the calendar year 2016.