Senators Closing in on Massive Drake Batherson Extension

The Ottawa Senators are reportedly closing in on an eight-year contract extension with winger Drake Batherson ahead of Tuesday night’s CBA deadline.

Although the exact terms remain unclear, the deal is expected to carry an average annual value between $10.5 million and $11 million. If completed, it would become the largest contract in Senators history and keep one of the team’s most productive forwards in Ottawa throughout his prime.

The timing is significant. Under the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement, teams will only be permitted to sign their own players to seven-year extensions beginning Sept. 16. Completing an eight-year agreement before the deadline would allow Ottawa to secure an extra season of control while demonstrating its commitment to Batherson.

The 28-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, recording 33 goals and 71 points in 79 games. He also produced three goals and four points in four playoff games, leading the Senators offensively during their brief postseason appearance. Batherson has now accumulated 149 goals and 364 points through 470 career games.

What Batherson Means to the Senators

Batherson has developed from a fourth-round selection in 2017 into a central member of Ottawa’s core. His combination of size, scoring ability and playmaking makes him a valuable top-six winger who can contribute at even strength and on the power play.

He also represents one of the Senators’ best development success stories. Batherson worked his way through the organization, became an AHL All-Star and gradually established himself as a consistent NHL scorer. He has grown alongside Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson as Ottawa transitioned from rebuilding to pursuing playoff success.

Signing him long-term would provide stability for a franchise attempting to take its next step. Rather than risking Batherson reaching unrestricted free agency, the Senators would retain a proven scorer who already has chemistry with their top players and understands the expectations surrounding the organization.

The reported price is substantial, especially compared to the $4.975 million cap hit on his current contract. However, Batherson’s production, age and importance to Ottawa’s offence make him difficult to replace. With the salary cap expected to continue rising, the deal could also become more manageable over time.

For the Senators and their fan base, getting an agreement completed would remove a major distraction before training camp. More importantly, it would show that Batherson believes in the direction of the franchise—and that Ottawa views him as a vital part of its pursuit of a Stanley Cup.

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