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Senators Likely to Retain 2025 First-Round Draft Pick Despite NHL Sanction

Ottawa's management hopes for leniency from Commissioner Bettman while focusing on offseason player development.

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Gabriel Eliasson poses for a portrait after being drafted by the Ottawa Senators with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios meets with the media on May 5 following the team's playoff loss to Toronto.
Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green speaks to the media at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.

Overview

  • General Manager Steve Staios stated it is highly likely the Ottawa Senators will keep their 2025 first-round draft pick despite an NHL-imposed penalty.
  • The Senators must forfeit a first-round pick in 2025 or 2026 due to mishandling Evgenii Dadonov’s no-trade clause in 2022, which led to a voided trade and the dismissal of former GM Pierre Dorion.
  • Management is delaying a final decision on the pick, hoping Commissioner Gary Bettman might reduce or rescind the penalty, citing a similar precedent involving the New Jersey Devils in 2014.
  • The Senators, who made their first playoff appearance since 2017, hold the 21st overall pick in the 2025 draft and are not eligible for the draft lottery.
  • Staios and coach Travis Green emphasized a merit-based offseason program to push players toward significant growth and roster competition.