Eugene Melnyk, Ottawa Senators owner, stable, responsive after liver transplant

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnykis in stable condition and responsive, but can't yet speakaftera successful liver transplant on Tuesday in Toronto, according to team president and CEO Cyril Leeder.

• Senators owner Eugene Melnyk undergoes successful liver transplant
• Sign up for organ donation at BeADonor.ca

The surgery took place Tuesday at Toronto General Hospitaland lasted about eight hours.The Senators said Melnyk and the anonymous donor were doing well and resting comfortably at the hospital.

Melnykwent into surgery at noon Eastern time, and it was completed at 8:05 p.m., the Senators said.

Doctors at Toronto General Hospital are also scheduled to update the public on Melnyk's transplanton Thursday at 11 a.m. ET.

Leederalso said the Senators would put an extra focus on promoting organ donation in the years to come.

The team announced last week thatMelnykwas in need of a live liver transplant and put 12 people through a screening process.