The National Hockey League announced a significant modification to the disciplinary action against the Ottawa Senators stemming from issues surrounding the 2021 trade of Evgenii Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights and a subsequent invalidated deal with the Anaheim Ducks.

From Forfeiture to 32nd Overall Pick

Initially, the Senators were penalized with the forfeiture of a first-round draft pick in either 2024, 2025, or 2026. However, after the team appealed the penalty, the NHL has revised the sanction. The Senators will now draft 32nd overall – the final pick of the first round – in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The team is prohibited from trading or transferring this draft position.

In addition to the draft adjustment, the Senators will pay a $1 million (CDN) fine to the NHL Foundation Canada.

Context of the Trade Dispute

The original dispute arose from a trade deadline deal in 2022 between the Golden Knights and the Ducks. Vegas had acquired Dadonov from Ottawa in 2021, then attempted to trade him to Anaheim for John Moore and the contract of Ryan Kesler. The trade was voided when it was discovered that Dadonov’s contract included a 10-team no-trade clause, with Anaheim being one of the restricted teams.

The Golden Knights argued that the Senators did not disclose this clause when they initially traded Dadonov.

Ownership Change Cited in Penalty Modification

The NHL cited a change in club ownership and oversight as a key factor in modifying the original penalty. The league stated that this change altered the appropriateness of the penalty initially imposed. Pierre Dorion, the Senators’ general manager during the trades, was dismissed in November 2023, and former owner Eugene Melnyk passed away in March 2022.

“We fully accept the modified sanctions the League has imposed today. We are grateful for the league and commissioner keeping an open mind on this issue and modifying the penalty,” Senators owner Michael Andlauer said. “The Senators organization is appreciative the fine money will be directed to the NHL Foundation Canada, to help grow the sport in our country. We consider this matter closed and will have no further comments on the situation.”

Michael Andlauer, Ottawa Senators Owner

Impact on Draft Order

To accommodate the Senators’ 32nd overall selection, all teams that would have normally drafted after Ottawa will move up one position in the first round.

Should the Senators not qualify for the playoffs and participate in the draft lottery, their lottery odds will remain consistent with their regular-season finish. However, they will not be eligible to win the lottery; a re-draw will occur if they were to be selected first.

FAQ

• What was the original penalty for the Senators? A forfeited first-round draft pick in one of the 2024, 2025, or 2026 drafts.
• What is the new penalty? The Senators will draft 32nd overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and pay a $1 million fine.
• Why was the penalty modified? The NHL cited a change in club ownership and oversight.