JUST IN: No way! Bettman has no plans to return the Senators’ first-round selection….
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has confirmed that the league has no plans to return the Ottawa Senators’ forfeited first-round draft pick, leaving fans and analysts reeling. The punishment, tied to the botched Evgenii Dadonov trade in 2022, remains a sore spot for the organization and its loyal supporters.
The decision stems from a violation of NHL trade protocols when the Senators failed to inform the Vegas Golden Knights of Dadonov’s no-trade clause. The oversight led to a major dispute after Vegas attempted to trade Dadonov to the Anaheim Ducks, a team included on his restricted list. The fallout ultimately compelled the league to penalize Ottawa with the loss of a first-round draft pick.
Since the ruling, ownership changes have altered the franchise’s leadership dynamics. Michael Andlauer, who purchased the team in 2023, has voiced his frustrations over the league’s stance. Andlauer insists the penalty unfairly burdens his ownership group, which had no involvement in the mishandling of the trade. Many Senators fans share this sentiment, calling for leniency under the new regime.
Unfortunately for the Senators, Bettman remains unwavering. “The league’s decision was final,” he stated in a recent press conference. “Accountability is critical, and it’s not about who owns the team—it’s about ensuring rules are respected.”
The news comes at a challenging time for Ottawa, a team striving to rebuild into a perennial playoff contender. Losing a first-round pick is a significant setback, particularly for a franchise reliant on young talent to solidify its future. With several core players like Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk already in place, the absence of another top prospect limits the team’s ability to supplement its growing roster.
Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. “It feels like we’re being punished for someone else’s mistakes,” said one fan on social media. Others have criticized the league for perceived inconsistencies, comparing Ottawa’s penalty to lighter punishments issued to other teams for infractions.
As Bettman holds his ground, the Senators are left to grapple with the consequences of decisions made before the current ownership era. For a team desperate to turn the page, the ongoing fallout from the Dadonov debacle is a frustrating reminder of how past mistakes can continue to haunt a franchise.
Ottawa now faces the uphill task of moving forward without the critical asset they were hoping to reclaim—a blow that could impact their competitive trajectory for years to come.