The Ottawa Senators are making headlines, not only for their decent Stanley Cup odds but also regarding news about the upcoming NHL Draft.
In 2022, the NHL decided to strip the Senators of a first-round pick in either 2024, 2025, or 2026 as punishment for an error that led to a cancelled trade. However, the league recently altered its decision, which means Ottawa will be able to make a first-round selection at this year’s NHL Draft.
I’ll break down all the details and latest developments below.
Will Ottawa Senators Forfeit Their 2026 First-Round Pick?
No, the Senators will not forfeit their 2026 first-round pick.
On March 12, 2026, the NHL decided to amend its decision regarding the Senators’ draft pick forfeit. Ottawa will now be allowed to make the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
How Did NHL Modify Senators’ Penalty For Cancelled Trade?
Instead of forfeiting the first-round pick, the Senators franchise will pay a $1 million fine to the NHL Foundation Canada as their new penalty for the nullified Evgeni Dadonov trade.
The NHL changed its decision because the Senators had a change in ownership and management following the cancelled trade.
Why Did NHL Forfeit Senators First-Round Pick Originally?
The Senators originally forfeited their first-round pick as a penalty for a mistake they made that led to a nullified trade involving Evgeni Dadonov.
Ottawa traded Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights in July 2021, and Vegas later shipped him to the Anaheim Ducks in March 2022.
However, hours after the second trade was announced, the Golden Knights announced they had “become aware of an issue with respect to the trade.”
After consulting with the league, it was discovered that Dadonov had a 10-team no-trade list on his contract with the Senators, and the Ducks were on it.
The Senators failed to mention Dadonov’s trade protection clause when they traded him to the Golden Knights, which made Ottawa at fault for the nullified trade to Anaheim.
Do the Ottawa Senators Have a First-Round Pick in 2026?
Yes, the Senators own the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (the final selection in the first round).
However, if Ottawa misses the playoffs and wins the draft lottery for one of the first two picks, it will result in a redraw.
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