Evgenii Dadonov’s CONTROVERSIAL trade deal gets Ottawa Senators penalized, set to forfeit first-round draft pick in upcoming NHL Draft

The Ottawa Senators have been docked a first round draft pick following the punishment laid by the league on their handling of trade of Evgeini Dadonov.

Evgenii Dadonov’s CONTROVERSIAL trade deal gets Ottawa Senators penalized, set to forfeit first-round draft pick in upcoming NHL Draft

Evgenii Dadonov with the Ottawa Senators (Pic Credit: AP)

In a stunning move announced by the NHL, the Ottawa Senators have now been punished for their handling of the trade of Evgenii Dadonov in 2021. As a result of this, they have been docked a first-round pick. The Sens will now have to forfeit their first-round draft pick on either one of the 2024, 2025, or 2026 NHL draft.

It all started back in 2021 when the Senators traded the Russian international to the Vegas Golden Knights. He was unable to make a mark there and was subsequently traded to the Anaheim Ducks on deadline day in 2022. However, hours after the trade was announced, the Golden Knights informed about an issue regarding his no-trade clause.

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The issue mentioned was about the teams Dadonov was limited to be traded. As per the clause in his contract, he could not be traded first without the submission of a 10-team no-trade list. Unfortunately for him and the Golden Knights, the Ducks were on that list and thus his trade to them was voided and he finished the season in Vegas.

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Since then, the controversy regarding this trade deal has been going on. The NHL has now finally taken action against the Sens, almost 22 months after the incident took place.

Sens owner Michael Andlauer slams NHL for prolonged ruling of Evgenii Dadonov case

The Ottawa Senators are having a tough time off the field this year. Following new ownership, they were the center of attention recently following the suspension of Shane Pinto for gambling. Michael Andlauer, the new owner of the team has now slammed the league for their prolonged ruling of the Evgenii Dadonov case.

Andlauer took over the team this year in September. He has now called out the league for their delay in this ruling. The league already knew about this trade issue before Andlauer took over.

Michael Andlauer and Evgenii Dadonov
Michael Andlauer (L) and Evgenii Dadonov (R) [Pic Credit: AP]
"You have to ask the NHL why it took a whole year since the hearing. It was a two-day hearing, a 73-page report. It's not something that's just a slam dunk. I know the commissioner had a lot of time to deliberate on it and think about it. But why I inherited this is beyond me. There's no reason for it to last that long".
Michael Andlauer through a press conference.

Following this ruling by the NHL, the franchise has fired General Manager Pierre for his handling of this trade. Which year will the Senators decide to give up their first-round draft pick now remains to be seen.

While speaking on the season, the team has suffered mixed results. They are currently 4-4-0 for the season, rock bottom of the Atlantic Division Eastern Conference table. They though defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 in their previous encounter, so they have some momentum on their side.

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