Ducks, Golden Knights release statements on nixed Dadonov trade, league reportedly lays blame

With the trade between the Anaheim Ducks and Vegas Golden Knights involving Evgenii Dadonov officially voided by the league, both teams have released statements on the failed deal.

"We respect and accept the decision made today by the NHL with regard to a trade with Vegas on Monday," said Ducks GM Pat Verbeek. "Evgenii Dadonov is a player we thought could help our team this year and beyond. We will move forward and welcome John Moore to our organization once he's healthy and ready to return."

"The Vegas Golden Knights recognize the league's decision and welcome Evgenii back to our club," said the team on Twitter.

Dadonov was traded to Anaheim apparently without the Knights realizing the Ducks were on his 10-team no-trade list. As for who the league blames for that, it appears to be the Ottawa Senators, the team that originally signed Dadanov before trading him to Vegas.

"[In] terms of where the finger should be pointed in the Evgenii Dadonov case, league sources say the blame rests on the shoulders of the Ottawa Senators," said Andy Strickland of Bally Sports.

As for whether there will be any punishment for the Sens, that remains to be seen. Meanwhile, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports Dadonov is expected to be in the Golden Knights' lineup Thursday when the team faces the Nashville Predators.

Dadonov could still technically be traded, however he would not be eligible to play for his new team until next season. According to Coyotes insider Craig Morgan, Arizona will at least explore the option as the team is still on the hunt for assets. There are rumours that Anaheim was on his no-trade list because he didn't care for the tax rate in that state. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter why as he has every right to exercise the clause negotiated in his contract.

The bigger issue now is how Vegas will manage to bring back the numerous players it has on injured reserve without going over the salary cap. The list includes names like Max Pacioretty, Robin Lehner, Brayden McNabb, Mark Stone and a few others. Once the playoffs hit, the cap isn't an issue. However, Vegas is currently fighting to get a playoff position and may well be out of the race at the end of the season, especially if the team can't bring back some of those big names.

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