The Lightning head into Canada’s capital on Saturday to face a Senators team that is having it’s share of off-ice drama. On Wednesday, the NHL announced that the Ottawa Senators would be forfeiting a first-round pick in either 2024, 2025, or 2026 for their involvement in the 2022 attempted trade of Evgenii Dadonov from Vegas to Anaheim. Shortly after that, the organization announced the resignation of general manager Pierre Dorion.
A quick recap of what happened. Dadonov signed a deal with the Senators in October of 2020 which included a ten-team, no-trade list. In October of 2021, Ottawa traded him to the Golden Knights, but there was no mention of the no-trade clause when the deal was consummated. When Vegas was trying to create some cap space in 2022 they tried to trade the forward with along with a second round pick to the Ducks for John Moore and Ryan Kesler’s contract. The Ducks were one of the teams on the no-trade list and Dadonov’s agent brought that to the attention of the parties involved and the deal was squashed.
Vegas was obviously miffed at the Senators for not telling them about the no-trade clause and sought retribution through the league. The NHL finally ruled on it and stripped the draft pick from Ottawa due to their negligence. The Senators will have 24 hours from the draft lottery of each season to decide if they want to give up the pick.
The punishment gave new Senators’ owner Michal Andlauer cause to fire his general manager, but it looks like Dorion technically resigned after eight years of running the ship. Steve Staios will be the acting general manager for the near future, but rumors are already circulating that Peter Chiarelli is inline for taking the reins. Chiarelli was the assistant general manager of the Sens from 2004-2006.
It’s been an interesting summer for Senators’ fans. First there was the Alex DeBrincat situation where the young star made clear that he would not be interested in staying in Ottawa long-term a year after they traded for him. Then there was the Shane Pinto hold out followed by the Shane Pinto suspension for gambling-related activities.
In his press conference, Andlauer mentioned that neither the investigation into Pinto’s situation, nor the one into the trade shenanigans was disclosed to him as he was finalizing his purchase of the team over the summer. What a fun league this is!
Lightning / NHL News
Lightning hit the road hoping for better results than last trip [Tampa Bay Times]
Even I, one of the more half-glass-full fans in these parts, would be a bit worried if they come back from this trip with only one point.
Coach Cooper media meeting [Tampa Bay Lightning]
“We just have to make sure we play the complete game and we’ll be okay.” Coop also confirmed that Tyler Motte will make his return during the road trip, just not against Columbus tonight.
What should we make of Waltteri Merela [Bolts by the Bay]
The return of Motte could affect the Lightning’s lone waivers-exempt player in Merela. While he hasn’t scored yet, he’s played his role fairly well.
Nicklas Backstrom stepping away from game [Japers Rink]
As much as Alex Ovechkin is the face of the Washington Capitals, Nicklas Backstrom has been there almost as long riding shotgun and setting up the Great 8 for his pursuit of Gretzky’s goal record. For 17 seasons and 1105 games, Backstrom has been dishing the puck off and playing solid hockey (1033 career points). The past few years have been rough as the 35-year-old has been dealing with injuries. On Tuesday he announced that he’ll be taking a leave of absence from the game to deal with the recovery.
The 2023-24 All-Underrated team [Daily Faceoff]
No Bolts on the list, but still a good look at some players who may not be getting the recognition around the league they deserve.
Auston Matthews signs endorsement deal with Prime [TSN Sports]
Look, I’ll be the first to admit I don’t get the whole Jake Paul thing, but I’m old and I’m not supposed to understand it (now get off my lawn!). Matthews’ agreement with the energy drink company is a good thing for the sport, though. We all come to this game from separate directions and if some kids start following the sport because of they like Prime and Matthews is all over the ads, who cares?
Gary Bettman on the Pat McAfee Show [Pat McAfee Show]
It’s going to be hilarious that an ex-punter with a fetish for tank tops is going to be responsible for growing the sport more than a commissioner that has been in office since the first Bush administration.
