NHL Modifies Penalty for Ottawa Senators in Canceled Dadonov Trade
The National Hockey League has revised the disciplinary action against the Ottawa Senators stemming from the invalidated 2022 trade involving Evgenii Dadonov. Instead of forfeiting a first-round draft pick, the Senators will now select 32nd overall in the 2026 NHL Draft – the final pick of the first round – and pay a $1 million Canadian dollar fine, which will be donated to the NHL Foundation Canada.
Background of the Trade Dispute
In July 2021, the Senators traded Evgenii Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights. The issue arose as Dadonov’s contract included a limited no-trade clause, requiring him to submit a 10-team no-trade list, which he had done for the 2021-22 season. Subsequently, Vegas traded Dadonov to the Anaheim Ducks in March 2022 without being aware that Anaheim was on his no-trade list.
The NHLPA challenged the validity of the trade between Vegas and Anaheim, and the NHL ultimately canceled the deal, stating it could not proceed due to the violation of Dadonov’s no-trade clause. NHL Public Relations
Original Penalty and Appeal
In November 2023, the NHL initially penalized the Senators by requiring them to forfeit a first-round draft pick in either the 2024, 2025, or 2026 drafts. Ottawa appealed the penalty, citing significant changes within the organization since the trade occurred. These changes included the resignation of former General Manager Pierre Dorion in November 2023 and his replacement by Steve Staios, as well as a change in ownership with Michael Andlauer taking over the franchise.
NHL’s Decision to Modify the Penalty
After considering the Senators’ appeal, the NHL determined a modification of the original penalty was warranted. The league acknowledged that the current Senators management should not be held accountable for the actions of the previous regime. NHL Public Relations
“After due and thorough consideration, the League has decided that a modification of the original penalty is warranted,” the NHL stated.
Senators’ Response
The Senators organization expressed gratitude for the NHL’s decision to reconsider the penalty. “We fully accept the modified sanctions the League has imposed today,” the Senators said in a statement. “We are grateful for the league and commissioner [Gary Bettman] 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.” NHL Public Relations
Impact on the 2026 NHL Draft
The modified penalty means that all teams drafting after the Senators will move up one position in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. The Senators will retain their normal lottery odds if they miss the playoffs, but if they win either of the two lottery draws, a redraw will be conducted. NHL Public Relations
Precedent for Rescinding Draft Pick Forfeitures
This is not the first time the NHL has rescinded a draft pick forfeiture. In 2010, the NHL initially penalized the New Jersey Devils for signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a 17-year contract, but later modified the penalty to require the Devils to pick last in the first round of the 2014 draft.
Evgenii Dadonov’s Career
Evgenii Dadonov, born March 12, 1989, is a Russian professional ice hockey player currently playing as a winger for the New Jersey Devils. He has also played for the Florida Panthers (in two stints), Ottawa Senators, Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens, and Dallas Stars. He was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers 71st overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Wikipedia NHL.com