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.
Advertisement
“(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.
Advertisement
“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 .
About the author
Athletic Bilbao x Manchester United: onde assistir a semifinal da Europa League
As semifinais da Uefa Europa League começam nesta quinta-feira, com uma das atrações sendo Athletic Bilbao x Manchester United. O confronto está marcado para às 16h e o Torcedores.com terá neste guia todas as informações da partida e onde assisti-la A partida será transmitida pela CazéTV com exclusividade, a plataforma exibindo os jogos da competição em sua reta final PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE É semifinal O Athletic Bilbao eliminou o Rangers nas quartas de final da Europa League e agora busca a chance de um inédito título internacional para si e o futebol do País Basco. A equipe também briga pelas primeiras posições de LaLiga, hoje na quarta posição da competição e vindo de vitória sobre o Las Palmas O time que Ernesto Valverde pretende colocar em campo nesta quinta-feira, poderá ter a volta de Iñaki Williams, que foi poupado pelo treinador […]
Maple Leafs roster updates vs. Senators: Likely lines and big questions for Game 5
TORONTO — The Maple Leafs have returned home for Game 5 against the Senators with a chance to close the series out — something that’s been so difficult for this core to do.The Leafs are up 3-1 in the series and deserve credit for being in that place. But not putting the Senators to bed for good in Game 4 meant this stat reared its ugly head: The Leafs have now won just one elimination game in 12 opportunities, dating back to 2019. And so while the talk of demons around this team might still be premature in this series, it’s not as if we haven’t seen a version of this script before.AdvertisementCan the Leafs respond with a sense of urgency not just to start, but through every period in Game 5? A win this early in the series would […]
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s Google Pixel deal and a divisive ‘selfie’ – explained
Mohamed Salah’s celebratory selfie after helping cap Liverpool’s Premier League title party will become an iconic image.Standing in front of Anfield’s Kop end with his arm stretched, the Egyptian snapped away on a phone that had been handed to him during the goal celebrations.It seemed to be a moment of off-the-cuff spontaneity that summed up the joyous atmosphere — but things weren’t quite so clear-cut.AdvertisementIt has since emerged that the phone, manufactured by one of Liverpool’s partners, Google Pixel, was provided by a member of staff who captures content at the training ground and stands behind the goal each game in preparation for a scene like this.We analyse the rules around what players can and cannot do in terms of advertising during games and the reaction.What happened exactly on Sunday?Liverpool were cruising to the title when Salah joined in with […]
Thunder or Cavaliers? Which team had the most impressive NBA playoff sweep?
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers were the NBA’s standout teams during the regular season, and both carried their dominance into the playoffs with first-round sweeps over the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat, respectively.Oklahoma City now awaits the winner of the nail-biting series between the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers, a series currently tied 2-2 and is a candidate to go seven games. Cleveland will face the winner of the Indiana Pacers-Milwaukee Bucks series, which Indiana currently leads 3-1.AdvertisementGiven how dominant both teams were during the regular season, anything short of an NBA Finals appearance would be a disappointment in the eyes of many. The two teams combined for 132 regular-season wins, compared to only 32 losses.For that to happen, the Thunder first must get past a dangerous, battle-tested Nuggets or Clippers team just to get to the Western […]
MADE IN ENGLAND: Na titulu Liverpoolu má podíl i Klopp. Těším se na pokračování hollywoodské pohádky
„Liverpool je zaslouženým anglickým mistrem. Byl jednoznačně nejlepším týmem soutěže. Přišlo mi, jako by Reds zapnuli v úvodním zápase sezony po nepovedeném prvním poločase v Ipswichi, od té doby šlapali a hráli skvěle.Na konci už v některých duelech nepředváděli optimální výkony. Někdy se projevovala možná nervozita, někdy trochu lehkovážnost, ale v tu chvíli už prakticky věděli, že titul vyhrají. Nicméně drtivá většina sezony byla v jejich podání úžasná.Konkurence nebyla tak silná jako v minulých letech. Manchester City si prošel obdobím, kdy nemohl vyhrát, Arsenal klopýtal a ve chvíli, kdy třeba mohl náskok Liverpoolu stáhnout, tak ho pod tlak nedostal. Ostatní měli také výkyvy.K triumfu dovedl tým trenér Arne Slot, nástup po Jürgenu Kloppovi zvládl skvěle. Očekávání byla veliká. Klopp má na tomhle titulu také podíl, Slota podpořil a přimluvil se za něj u fanoušků. A především mu předal fungující tým, který byl výborně připravený, dobře poskládaný a správně hladový.Vždyť Liverpool před sezonou […]
Paráda argentinského středoškoláka. Místo učení se na písemku rozhodl vyhrocené derby
„Překrásný gól. Něco podobného jsem už dlouho neviděl,“ radoval se trenér Marcelo Gallardo. Teenager se navíc prosadil v zápase, pro který snad celá Argentina dýchá. A ještě k tomu na domácím, k prasknutí narvaném stadionu.Mastantuono ukázal své umění ve 25. minutě, ještě za bezbrankového stavu. Dobrých třicet metrů od branky se postavil k přímému kopu a zakroutil jej levačkou okolo zdi. Nebohý brankář Boky Agustin Marchesín si asi myslel, že balon přeletí břevno. Ale mýlil se. Míč si našel cestu do horního růžku branky.Když podobný skvost předvede sedmnáctiletý frajer, není divu, že tím zaujme i evropské velkokluby. Dvojnásob ve chvíli, kdy Mastantuono hraje v River Plate každý zápas a platí za oporu.Což občas přináší komplikace. Superclásico se hrálo v neděli večer, od argentinských 20:30. A Mastantuono, v sedmnácti letech stále ještě středoškolák, měl v pondělí psát písemku ze zeměpisu. Ředitelovi dokonce volal i sám Gallardo, kouč River Plate, s prosbou o odložení. Uspěl.Otázkou bude, zdali technicky zdatný fotbalista […]
Related
Athletic Bilbao x Manchester United: onde assistir a semifinal da Europa League
As semifinais da Uefa Europa League começam nesta quinta-feira, com uma das atrações sendo Athletic Bilbao x Manchester United. O confronto está marcado para às 16h e o Torcedores.com terá neste guia todas as informações da partida e onde assisti-la A partida será transmitida pela CazéTV com exclusividade, a plataforma exibindo os jogos da competição em sua reta final PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE É semifinal O Athletic Bilbao eliminou o Rangers nas quartas de final da Europa League e agora busca a chance de um inédito título internacional para si e o futebol do País Basco. A equipe também briga pelas primeiras posições de LaLiga, hoje na quarta posição da competição e vindo de vitória sobre o Las Palmas O time que Ernesto Valverde pretende colocar em campo nesta quinta-feira, poderá ter a volta de Iñaki Williams, que foi poupado pelo treinador […]
Maple Leafs roster updates vs. Senators: Likely lines and big questions for Game 5
TORONTO — The Maple Leafs have returned home for Game 5 against the Senators with a chance to close the series out — something that’s been so difficult for this core to do.The Leafs are up 3-1 in the series and deserve credit for being in that place. But not putting the Senators to bed for good in Game 4 meant this stat reared its ugly head: The Leafs have now won just one elimination game in 12 opportunities, dating back to 2019. And so while the talk of demons around this team might still be premature in this series, it’s not as if we haven’t seen a version of this script before.AdvertisementCan the Leafs respond with a sense of urgency not just to start, but through every period in Game 5? A win this early in the series would […]
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s Google Pixel deal and a divisive ‘selfie’ – explained
Mohamed Salah’s celebratory selfie after helping cap Liverpool’s Premier League title party will become an iconic image.Standing in front of Anfield’s Kop end with his arm stretched, the Egyptian snapped away on a phone that had been handed to him during the goal celebrations.It seemed to be a moment of off-the-cuff spontaneity that summed up the joyous atmosphere — but things weren’t quite so clear-cut.AdvertisementIt has since emerged that the phone, manufactured by one of Liverpool’s partners, Google Pixel, was provided by a member of staff who captures content at the training ground and stands behind the goal each game in preparation for a scene like this.We analyse the rules around what players can and cannot do in terms of advertising during games and the reaction.What happened exactly on Sunday?Liverpool were cruising to the title when Salah joined in with […]
Thunder or Cavaliers? Which team had the most impressive NBA playoff sweep?
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers were the NBA’s standout teams during the regular season, and both carried their dominance into the playoffs with first-round sweeps over the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat, respectively.Oklahoma City now awaits the winner of the nail-biting series between the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers, a series currently tied 2-2 and is a candidate to go seven games. Cleveland will face the winner of the Indiana Pacers-Milwaukee Bucks series, which Indiana currently leads 3-1.AdvertisementGiven how dominant both teams were during the regular season, anything short of an NBA Finals appearance would be a disappointment in the eyes of many. The two teams combined for 132 regular-season wins, compared to only 32 losses.For that to happen, the Thunder first must get past a dangerous, battle-tested Nuggets or Clippers team just to get to the Western […]
MADE IN ENGLAND: Na titulu Liverpoolu má podíl i Klopp. Těším se na pokračování hollywoodské pohádky
„Liverpool je zaslouženým anglickým mistrem. Byl jednoznačně nejlepším týmem soutěže. Přišlo mi, jako by Reds zapnuli v úvodním zápase sezony po nepovedeném prvním poločase v Ipswichi, od té doby šlapali a hráli skvěle.Na konci už v některých duelech nepředváděli optimální výkony. Někdy se projevovala možná nervozita, někdy trochu lehkovážnost, ale v tu chvíli už prakticky věděli, že titul vyhrají. Nicméně drtivá většina sezony byla v jejich podání úžasná.Konkurence nebyla tak silná jako v minulých letech. Manchester City si prošel obdobím, kdy nemohl vyhrát, Arsenal klopýtal a ve chvíli, kdy třeba mohl náskok Liverpoolu stáhnout, tak ho pod tlak nedostal. Ostatní měli také výkyvy.K triumfu dovedl tým trenér Arne Slot, nástup po Jürgenu Kloppovi zvládl skvěle. Očekávání byla veliká. Klopp má na tomhle titulu také podíl, Slota podpořil a přimluvil se za něj u fanoušků. A především mu předal fungující tým, který byl výborně připravený, dobře poskládaný a správně hladový.Vždyť Liverpool před sezonou […]
Paráda argentinského středoškoláka. Místo učení se na písemku rozhodl vyhrocené derby
„Překrásný gól. Něco podobného jsem už dlouho neviděl,“ radoval se trenér Marcelo Gallardo. Teenager se navíc prosadil v zápase, pro který snad celá Argentina dýchá. A ještě k tomu na domácím, k prasknutí narvaném stadionu.Mastantuono ukázal své umění ve 25. minutě, ještě za bezbrankového stavu. Dobrých třicet metrů od branky se postavil k přímému kopu a zakroutil jej levačkou okolo zdi. Nebohý brankář Boky Agustin Marchesín si asi myslel, že balon přeletí břevno. Ale mýlil se. Míč si našel cestu do horního růžku branky.Když podobný skvost předvede sedmnáctiletý frajer, není divu, že tím zaujme i evropské velkokluby. Dvojnásob ve chvíli, kdy Mastantuono hraje v River Plate každý zápas a platí za oporu.Což občas přináší komplikace. Superclásico se hrálo v neděli večer, od argentinských 20:30. A Mastantuono, v sedmnácti letech stále ještě středoškolák, měl v pondělí psát písemku ze zeměpisu. Ředitelovi dokonce volal i sám Gallardo, kouč River Plate, s prosbou o odložení. Uspěl.Otázkou bude, zdali technicky zdatný fotbalista […]
Be the first to leave a comment