Senators owner Michael Andlauer talks draft-pick penalty, playoff preparations

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OTTAWA — As the Senators venture toward their first playoff games in eight years, plenty of attention has circled to potential playoff opponents, the health of Brady Tkachuk and finishing the regular season on a strong note. But the fate of a future first-round pick is also in the back of the Senators’ minds.

“(Senators general manager) Steve (Staios) asked me that question,” owner Michael Andlauer said. “And I’m hoping I still get some kind of forgiveness from the commissioner, honestly.”

Andlauer addressed that topic among many others with select members of the media Friday evening ahead of a game against the Montreal Canadiens. The Sens were docked a future first-round pick during the 2023-24 season. It had been revealed they failed to disclose to the Vegas Golden Knights a no-trade clause involving Evgenii Dadonov, a player they shipped away to Vegas in July 2021 — a trade that occurred before Andlauer took over as majority owner of the Senators — which led to the firing of then-GM Pierre Dorion.

The Sens were required to forfeit a draft pick in 2024, 2025 or 2026 ahead of that particular year’s draft lottery. Ottawa hasn’t formally decided what it will do with its 2025 first, but don’t be surprised if it ends up keeping this year’s pick and forfeiting next year’s draft choice — if the Sens are forced to relinquish it.

“You’ve got to look at draft classes, as well,” Andlauer said. “If we’re Stanley Cup finalists, then we’re picking second last or last. So, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. But looking at the draft class, looking at where we would pick today, I don’t know if it would be 17th or 18th, something in that area, sitting down with amateur scouts and seeing what’s coming up (in) next year’s draft class, as well. It’s so hard.

“Ultimately, it’ll be Steve’s decision and he’ll say this is what (it is). But I would probably lean towards the fact that we’re going to keep our first-round pick this year. You’ve got to feel that we’re only going to get better, and therefore the first pick can become less valuable.”

Ottawa clinched its first playoff berth in eight years Tuesday despite losing against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings, allowing the Sens to punch their ticket. Andlauer said he contacted Staios and team captain Tkachuk, who was home injured, after the Senators clinched.

“That was a bittersweet moment,” Andlauer said. “It was a lot more sweeter because obviously now you’re officially clinched. The excitement came because I was just so happy, but not for myself, because I haven’t endured eight years of pain as our fans have.”

The Senators’ first-round playoff opponent has yet to be determined, but Andlauer thinks it’s “kind of neat” that his team will enter the playoffs as an “underdog.” There is also mounting anticipation for a Battle of Ontario series pitting the Senators against the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto and Ottawa have played each other four times in the postseason, with the Maple Leafs winning all four times. The last time they matched up was 2004.

“Everybody’s asked me that,” Andlauer said. “Who do you want to play? I think just the fact that we’re in the dance is, is, is exciting. Bring them on.

“From a fan’s perspective, you want the Battle of Ontario. I think I heard (Senators president) Cyril Leeder say it’s bad karma to wish (for) somebody. So for me, it’s the same thing. But I think, if I’m wearing my fans hat, bring on the Leafs, please.”

Finally, Andlauer was asked if there was any progress between the Senators and the National Capital Commission on a new arena being built in LeBreton Flats. The owner didn’t offer specifics but said the “process is still moving forward.”

“I’m just glad that we made the playoffs quicker (than the) process,” Andlauer said. “Maybe it’s a process I have better control over. But it’s moving forward. As long as you’re taking one step forward, that’s what matters. Like I’ve said before, our fans want it. I believe our city wants it. I think it’s the right thing, but it’s going to be a collaborative initiative. All we are is a catalyst for an entertainment and sports venue, and I’m happy to work as hard as I can to get us there.”

(Photo of Shane Pinto after scoring Friday: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)

This news was originally published on this post .

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