NHL Reduces Senators' Punishment for Nixed 2022 Trade

Ottawa will now pick last in 2026 draft, pay $1 million fine instead of forfeiting 1st-round pick

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:48pm

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In a surprising reversal, the NHL has decided the Ottawa Senators will no longer forfeit their 2026 first-round draft pick for their role in a cancelled 2022 trade between Vegas and Anaheim involving winger Evgenii Dadonov. Instead, the Senators will select last (32nd overall) in the first round and pay a $1 million fine in Canadian dollars.

Why it matters

The Senators had faced a harsh penalty for the mix-up over Dadonov's no-trade clause, but the league has now shown leniency given the changes in Ottawa's leadership and ownership since the incident.

The details

When the Senators traded Dadonov to the Golden Knights in 2021, there was no mention that the winger had trade protection. Vegas then traded Dadonov to the Ducks in 2022, unaware that Anaheim was on his 10-team no-trade list. The NHLPA disputed the validity of the trade, and the NHL cancelled it, originally punishing Ottawa by forcing them to forfeit a future first-round pick.

  • The Senators traded Dadonov to the Golden Knights in July 2021.
  • Vegas traded Dadonov to the Ducks in March 2022.
  • In Nov. 2023, the NHL announced Ottawa had to forfeit a first-round pick in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
  • The Senators used their 2024 and 2025 first-round picks, meaning they'd have to forfeit their 2026 selection.
  • The NHL has now decided to reduce Ottawa's punishment in March 2026.

The players

Evgenii Dadonov

A winger whose no-trade clause was at the center of the cancelled 2022 trade between Vegas and Anaheim.

Pierre Dorion

The former general manager of the Ottawa Senators who was in charge during the Dadonov trade situation.

Steve Staios

The current general manager of the Ottawa Senators, who took over after Dorion's resignation.

Michael Andlauer

The new owner of the Ottawa Senators franchise when the NHL initially punished the team.

Gary Bettman

The commissioner of the National Hockey League.

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What they’re saying

“Why I inherited this is beyond me.”

— Michael Andlauer, Owner, Ottawa Senators

“We fully accept the modified sanctions the League has imposed today. 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.”

— Ottawa Senators

What’s next

The Senators will now select 32nd overall in the 2026 NHL Draft and pay a $1 million fine to the NHL Foundation Canada.

The takeaway

This case highlights the NHL's willingness to show leniency and modify punishments, especially when there have been significant changes in a team's leadership and ownership since the original incident.