The Ottawa Senators\u2019 first-round pick in this year\u2019s NHL Draft has been restored. The league on Thursday decided to modify its punishment for the organization\u2019s handling of the Evgenii Dadonov trade to the\u00a0Vegas Golden Knights in July 2021, which led to an invalidated trade between Vegas and the Anaheim Ducks in 2022.<\/p>\n
The Senators initially were stripped of a first-round pick in either the 2024, 2025 or 2026 draft for not informing Vegas of Dadonov\u2019s limited no-trade clause. The Senators deferred the penalty until this season. Now, Ottawa will have the final pick of the first round this year, but the pick cannot be traded or transferred to another team. The Senators will also pay a $1 million (CDN) fine, which will be given to NHL Foundation Canada.<\/p>\n
The Senators lobbied the NHL for a softer punishment, and in its announcement of the modification of the punishment, the league cited a \u201cchange in club ownership and oversight which, in the club\u2019s view, changed the appropriateness of the penalty initially imposed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pierre Dorion, the Senators\u2019 general manager at the time of the trades, was fired in November 2023, and then-owner Eugene Melnyk died in March 2022.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe fully accept the modified sanctions the league has imposed today,\u201d Senators owner Michael Andlauer said in a statement. \u201cWe are grateful for the league and commissioner keeping an open mind on this issue and modifying the penalty. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dadonov\u2019s contract with Ottawa, signed in October 2020, included a 10-team no-trade clause. The Golden Knights weren\u2019t on that no-trade list, but Vegas\u2019 subsequent attempt to trade Dadonov to Anaheim was\u00a0nullified by the NHL because of the no-trade clause. The Ducks were on Dadonov\u2019s no-trade list, but the Golden Knights were unaware that Dadonov even had one.<\/p>\n
In 2023, it was revealed that the Senators were under investigation for the handling of the Dadonov trade. On Nov. 1, 2023, the NHL announced its punishment of the Senators, and Dorion was subsequently relieved of his duties in favor of current GM Steve Staios. Andlauer took over as majority owner in September 2023, purchasing the team for $950 million U.S. When Andlauer learned about the botched Dadonov trade, he said he was made to believe it was a \u201cnon-issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy I inherited this is beyond me,\u201d Andlauer said after it was announced the Senators would lose a first-round pick.<\/p>\n
Now, the Senators will draft at No. 32, whether they make the playoffs or not. If Ottawa misses the postseason, it will not be eligible to win the draft lottery. If Ottawa does win the lottery, it will result in a redraw. The Senators are currently five points out of a playoff spot with 18 games remaining in their season.<\/p>\n