Dear Commissioner Bettman,

We, the undersigned fans of the Ottawa Senators and the National Hockey League, respectfully request that the League reconsider the disciplinary action imposed on the Ottawa Senators following former General Manager Pierre Dorion’s failure to disclose pertinent information during trade negotiations. Under the current ruling, the Senators are required to forfeit a first‑round draft pick in 2024, 2025, or 2026. We urge you to consider an alternative form of discipline that does not jeopardize the long‑term economic stability of the franchise in Ottawa.

We fully recognize the importance of maintaining clear rules and principles across the League, and we agree that Mr. Dorion’s actions warranted disciplinary measures. Upholding the integrity of the game is essential and must take precedence over the interests of any individual club.

However, when the League issued its ruling, the Ottawa Senators had not yet taken internal action. Since then, Mr. Dorion has been relieved of his duties as General Manager. Additionally, the party directly affected by the miscommunication—the Vegas Golden Knights—does not receive any compensation under the current penalty.

In light of the club’s subsequent action against Mr. Dorion and with consideration for the Golden Knights, we propose an alternative: that the Senators forfeit a later‑round draft pick, outside the first round, directly to the Golden Knights in place of the existing penalty. Under this approach, the Senators’ 2026 first‑round pick would be restored.

The Ottawa Senators are at a pivotal moment in their development, with a new arena deal under negotiation and new ownership investing significantly in the franchise, its infrastructure, and its roster. Ottawa fans have endured years of instability under previous ownership and are eager to see the club positioned for long‑term success. Losing a first‑round pick—an asset critical to a rebuilding team—because of the actions of a former executive now removed from the organization feels, to many supporters, like a disproportionate penalty borne by the fan base rather than the responsible party.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the League to restore the Ottawa Senators’ 2026 first‑round pick and consider a reduced, alternative disciplinary measure.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.