Ottawa Senators Get Draft Pick Back, Rebuild Hope

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is NHL News Today. Subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. The Ottawa Senators just got a big break for the 2026 NHL draft. Instead of forfeiting their first round pick, they'll now select 30 second overall and pay a 1 million Canadian dollar fine. The leak amended the penalty after some back and forth. This all stems from a messy trade back in 2021 involving forward of Gennie.nov. The Senators didn't share details of his no-trade clause when sending him to Vegas, which later voided another deal to Anaheim. The NHL originally hit them with the pick loss in either 2024, 2025, or 2026. New owner Michael Ann Lauer, who took over in 2023, fought the punishment hard. He argued his team inherited the problem from the previous regime, which led to firing General Manager Pierre Dorion. After using picks on Carter Yakumchuk and Logan Hensler the last two years,

1:00they kept lobbying for relief. Now with the pick locked in at the end of the first round, no trading allowed, the Senators eyed deep draft class to rebuild their prospects. Standouts to watch include Speedy Winger Mathis Preston as a high upside-long shot, skilled project Jackson Cover, Reliable College Center, Illumoresov, and Physical Power Forward, Casey Mutron. Fans and scouts see this as a win for Ottawa's future. These options mix safe bets with boom potential, giving the team flexibility as they push to contend soon. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound. S-O-L-I. SoleyPillow.com