Senators Get First-Round Pick Back in Modified NHL Penalty
OTTAWA – In a significant win for the Ottawa Senators, the NHL announced Thursday it is modifying the penalty stemming from a 2021 trade involving Evgenii Dadonov. Instead of forfeiting a first-round draft pick in 2024, 2025, or 2026, the Senators will now forfeit their 2026 first-round pick in exchange for the right to pick 32nd overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. The team is prohibited from trading or transferring that selection.
The league cited the change in club ownership under Michael Andlauer as a key factor in the decision to reconsider the original penalty. Andlauer has been actively lobbying for a reduction in the penalty since purchasing the team. In addition to the draft pick modification, the Senators will pay a $1 million (CDN) fine, which will be directed to the NHL Foundation Canada.
The original penalty arose from a failed trade of Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021, where the Senators did not disclose Dadonov’s no-trade clause. A subsequent attempted trade to the Anaheim Ducks was invalidated when it was discovered the Ducks were on Dadonov’s no-trade list. The Senators now will participate in the draft lottery, but are ineligible to move up from the 32nd overall pick.
Senators’ Draft Fortune Turns: NHL Modifies Penalty, Team to Pick 32nd in 2026
Ottawa Senators fans received a significant boost on Thursday, as the National Hockey League announced a modification to the penalty levied against the franchise stemming from the Evgenii Dadonov trade saga.
A Complicated Trade and Its Aftermath
Initially, the Senators were facing the forfeiture of a first-round draft pick – in either 2024, 2025, or 2026 – due to complications arising from a 2021 trade that sent Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The issue centered around Dadonov’s no-trade clause, which included the Anaheim Ducks.
Subsequently, when Vegas attempted to trade Dadonov to Anaheim in March 2022, the player refused the move, as Anaheim was on his limited no-trade list.
This oversight, a breach of contract stipulations, led to the NHL’s initial penalty.
New Ownership, New Appeal, and a Modified Penalty
Although, the situation took a turn with the change in Senators ownership, as Michael Andlauer acquired the team in 2023.
Andlauer immediately began advocating for a reduction in the penalty, arguing that he was not responsible for the initial infraction.
The league has responded favorably, modifying the penalty to the forfeiture of their first-round pick in 2026, but granting the Senators the right to pick 32nd overall in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The team is prohibited from trading this pick, and will also pay a $1 million (Canadian) fine.
Did you know? This situation mirrors a similar case involving the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk, where the team eventually regained a first-round pick with restrictions.
Andlauer’s Influence and the Precedent Set
The league’s decision acknowledges the change in ownership and Andlauer’s efforts to rectify the situation.
Commissioner Gary Bettman, known for valuing precedent, appears to have considered the Devils’ case when reaching this decision.
Andlauer expressed gratitude for the league’s willingness to reconsider the penalty, stating the fine money will be directed to the NHL Foundation Canada to support the growth of hockey in the country.
Impact on the Senators’ Future
The Senators’ draft strategy may have been influenced by the anticipation of regaining their first-round pick.
General Manager Steve Staios recently traded Ottawa’s second-round pick in 2026 for Warren Foegele, potentially anticipating this positive outcome.
The 32nd overall pick, although not as valuable as a lottery pick, still provides the Senators with an opportunity to add a promising prospect to their organization.
Ottawa’s prospect pool is currently considered thin, making this pick particularly critical.
Addressing Past Mistakes and Looking Ahead
The resolution of this penalty also serves as a reflection on the tenure of former GM Pierre Dorion, whose decisions contributed to the initial penalty and other organizational challenges.
Current management, led by Andlauer and Staios, is focused on rectifying these past mistakes and building a competitive team.
Despite the team’s likely absence from the playoffs this season, they will still participate in the draft lottery, although their position will be limited due to the 32nd overall pick restriction.
FAQ
- What was the original penalty against the Senators? The original penalty was the forfeiture of a first-round draft pick in one of the 2024, 2025, or 2026 drafts.
- What is the modified penalty? The Senators will forfeit their first-round pick in 2026 but will instead pick 32nd overall in the draft, and pay a $1 million fine.
- Why did the NHL modify the penalty? The NHL cited the change in ownership and the efforts of Michael Andlauer as reasons for the modification.
- Can the Senators trade the 32nd overall pick? No, the team is not permitted to trade or transfer its right to the 32nd overall selection.
Pro Tip: Teams often employ the last pick in the first round to select a player with high potential but may require more development time.
This outcome represents a positive step forward for the Senators, providing them with a valuable draft asset and a renewed sense of optimism as they continue to rebuild their franchise.
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