Senators and Drake Batherson Finalizing Long-Term Extension

Both the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson‘s camp are “targeting an eight-year extension,” per Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, and the two sides have until 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday to make it happen. The deadline for eight-year deals passes at that time, as do certain percentages of signing bonuses, which will likely play a heavy role in his next deal.

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New CBA rules are kicking in that eliminate eight-year contracts and that means the Senators have just over 24 hours to put pen to paper.

That doesn’t mean it’s a lock, even though it’s reportedly what both sides want. Pierre LeBrun writes, “Eight years might be ideal but I think Batherson depending on the AAV would also take 6-7 years. So while there’s pressure before new CBA kicks in Wednesday, I think a bigger point of pressure for both sides is that I don’t believe Batherson wants to negotiate during the season. Wants it done before season starts.”

The question isn’t whether Drake Batherson will sign with Ottawa, but when the two sides will get there. The Senators simply can’t afford to lose a player who has become such an important part of their offense, particularly one they developed themselves.

Batherson has also given the Senators plenty of value on his current contract, and the time has come for him to cash in. An extension in the $10–10.5 million AAV range may look like a significant commitment, but don’t be surprised if it looks like a bargain by the time the contract is nearing its end. Julian McKenzie on the Sens Spotlight Podcast think’s it could be higher. ”Whether you compare him to an Alex Tuch who signed that deal in Washington or Adrian Kempe in Los Angeles. My expectations, personally, just going off of what his production has been like, is that he should get a contract somewhere around there, and as long as you’re not bleeding into $12-13-14M, like I think you’re in good business.”

Batherson is that important to Ottawa, especially given Brady Tkachuk‘s departure. He will be paid accordingly.

The 28-year-old right-winger is in the final year of a six-year, $29.85MM ($4.975MM AAV) contract that expires next season, when Batherson will be an unrestricted free agent. 

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