The new owner of the Senators, Andlauer, criticizes the NHL for handling the investigations against Dadonov and Pinto

Ottawa Senators new owner Michael Andlauer sharply criticized the NHL for the team’s loss of a first-round pick in the botched Evgenii Dadonov trade and for Shane Pinto’s 41-game gambling-related suspension.

The loss of a first-round pick in the Dadonov saga ultimately cost GM Pierre Dorion his job. During the press conference on Wednesday at which Dorion’s resignation was announced, the 57-year-old Andlauer torn into the league because they had not adequately informed him about the situation of Dadonov and Pinto during the Senators’ sale process.

“Maybe they didn’t want to disturb it to make sure the seller got the best possible price,” Andlauer said. according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.

Andlauer asked why he had “inherited” the Dadonov case, since the incident occurred almost two years ago (and 18 months before the purchase of the Senators).

“You have to ask the NHL why it took a year. Why I inherited this is beyond me. There’s no reason to hold out that long,” he said.

Andlauer believes the NHL could have informed the Senators earlier about the investigation into Pinto. Overall, the Senators’ new owner has let off a lot of steam at the league’s expense.

According to Claire Hanna of TSNAndlauer said his first 30 days as owner of the Senators exceeded expectations, but thanks to a three-game losing streak, three injuries and two calls from the NHL, the team has recently come back down to earth.

Not only senators criticize NHL’s communication

And it is not just Andlauer and the Senators who criticize the league’s way of communicating.

Sean McIndoe of The Athletic rightly points out that the league has imposed two harsh penalties (both against the Senators) without sharing many details with the public.

While Andlauer apparently received a 73-page statement on the consequences of the Dadonov transfer, the details of Pinto’s gambling offense are largely a matter of speculation – aside from the league’s statement that he did not place any bets on NHL games.

The league also made many mistakes in messaging around Pride Tape and was regularly criticized for its handling of dangerous hits.