Breaking: Controversy surrounding Neil’s retirement ceremony in Ottawa!

Ottawa Senators forward Chris Neil officially announced his retirement on Thursday during a press conference.

The 38-year-old called it a career after 15 seasons with the NHL club that drafted him in the sixth round in 1998. Though the press conference was emotional for the enforcer, a major controversy has emerged from it among trade chatter, sale rumors and ownership issues.

Neil made the announcement with general manager Pierre Dorion and assistant GM Randy Lee, but owner Eugene Melnyk was no where to be found, which has raised controversy on social media.

Chris Neil here to announce his retirement with Pierre Dorion and Randy Lee #Sens pic.twitter.com/yInQnwgxCG
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 14, 2017

The tweet has since been deleted, but others followed suit.

#sens retiring #25 is a no brainer if Melnyk is gonna do something right at least do that Neil has been one of the greatest sens of all time anyone who doesn't thinks so can kiss my merry @$$
— j wilkster (@j_wilkster) December 14, 2017