#1 Drake Batherson
Drake Batherson is a top candidate to make the jump from the Belleville Senators to the Ottawa Senators next season. Not only did he already make the team out of camp once before, but he appears to have almost outgrown AHL competition altogether. In 44 games with Belleville this season, Batherson had 16 goals and 38 assists for 54 points. That is 1.23 points per game.
💥 Drake Batherson wins it in OT – his 5th point of the game!
— Sens Prospects (@SensProspects) October 13, 2019
Logan Brown with the helper, giving him 2G&2A on the night. Belleville wins their first of the season 5-4 over Binghamton. What a game!! #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/FVeq0JRMvu
Batherson is a 6’3, 206lbs winger who played 23 games with the Ottawa Senators this season, scoring 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points. This level of production may not scream top-six forward at the moment, but Batherson showed flashes of carrying his elite skills over to the NHL level throughout the course of the season. Once he becomes more consistent, I believe he will be a lock in the top-six.
Drake Batherson with some SILKY Moves 👀
— Nathan "Grav" (@NathanGraviteh) February 5, 2020
pic.twitter.com/lZDpkix6qb
I believe Batherson could make the jump next season due to his readiness as a player and based on the uncertainty of the position for the Ottawa Senators. With Connor Brown and Anthony Duclair on expiring contracts, Batherson could step into a hole in the top-six easily, should one open up. Batherson would also need to compete with the likes of Rudolfs Balcers for a roster spot, which will not be an easy task. If the only space available for him is in the bottom of the lineup, Batherson could see more AHL time next season so he can play more top-line minutes.