The Daily: Senators Forfeit 1st Rounder; Backstrom Steps Away

Michael Andlauer truly didn’t know what he was getting into when he recently bought the Ottawa Senators franchise. Andlauer said Wednesday that when he was negotiating the purchase, the league didn’t inform him that Shane Pinto would be suspended 41 games for a gambling rule violation. Nor was he informed the team would have to give a first-round draft pick for their mishandling of the Evgenii Dadonov trade situation.

The NHL ruled Wednesday that Senators must forfeit a first-round pick (in 2024, 2025 and 2026). This is particularly of interest to the Detroit Red Wings because they are Atlantic Division rivals. The Senators, Buffalo Sabres and Red Wings are in similar rebuilding periods.

Here’s the story: Ottawa dealt Dadonov to Vegas in 2021, stating that the player did not have a no-trade list. Dadonov was subsequently moved to Anaheim at the 2022 trade deadline – a deal approved by the league, but later rescinded because Dadonov not only had a no-trade list after all, but Anaheim was on that list.

Does this seem fair? Many in the hockey community seem to believe the penalty in the Dadonov situation was particularly harsh.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Florida Panthers are in Detroit tonight to take on the Red Wings. Florida has won nine in a row against Detroit. The Panthers are 10-1 in their last 11 visits to Detroit.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Red Wings prospect Dmitry Buchelnikov is thrilled to be in the Kontinental Hockey League
• Injured forward Robby Fabbri is ahead of schedule or returning to the roster. He practiced Wednesday with the team.
• Cross Hanas understands that he’s not going to get to wear No. 71 when he gets to Detroit.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Mason Lohrei will make his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins Thursday in a game against Toronto.

Chicago: Could Logan Cooley vs. Connor Bedard be the next entertaining rivalry? Chicago Blackhawks

Florida: The Panthers will again be without Sam Bennett because of injury. Florida Panthers. 

Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens franchise is now valued at $2.5 billion.

Pittsburgh: Police in the United Kingdom are investigating the tragic death of former Pittsburgh Penguins player Adam Johnson.

Washington: Nicklas Backstrom, one of greatest players in Washington Capitals history, is stepping away from the game.