Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson isn't one of the biggest names in the NHL. However, Batherson has turned into one of the most underrated and underappreciated players in the NHL.
Over the past three seasons, Batherson has recorded a 60-point season. Batherson is one of the Senators' best players. Even with being one of the Senators' best players, Batherson continues to be overlooked.
Projections for Team Canada's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics will be made. However, a new projection on Bleacher Report shows once again how Batherson is disrespected in the NHL.
Batherson not projected on Team Canada's roster despite better seasons than some
Earlier today, Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report wrote an article titled "Updated B/R Roster Predictions for Canada's 2026 Men's Olympic Hockey Team." Batherson was left off by Gretz. But, some of the players projected by Gretz haven't produced better seasons than Batherson has over the first month.
Of the 14 forwards Gretz projected to make Canada's roster, Batherson has more points than five of them this season.
Forwards Gretz projected to make Canada's roster that Batherson has more points than:
Mark Stone
Sam Reinhart
Brayden Point
Brandon Hagel
Seth Jarvis
Both Reinhart and Point were two of the first six players who cracked Team Canada's roster back in June, but the fact that Batherson has more points than both of them this season says a lot about his game.
Batherson continues to be disrespected by not getting mentioned or thought about for Team Canada's roster, given how his season has gone. Even with missing the team's first three games, Batherson's 18 points are second on the Senators, and his 12 assists lead the team. Batherson's +5 rating is also tied for second on the Senators.
If Team Canada were to have Batherson on their team, he would be a huge asset. Batherson can score, be a powerplay threat and provide a positive impact.
Batherson's six goals this season are more than four players projected by Gretz to make Team Canada's roster:
Stone
Point
Nick Suzuki
Mitch Marner
If Batherson continues to have a solid season before the final Olympic rosters are made, it's hard for Team Canada to give Batherson some consideration for the roster. So far, Batherson has produced a better season than some of the forwards Gretz projected on Bleacher Report.
Batherson is an outstanding player who can be relied on when needed, and Team Canada would be getting a good player on the roster to compete for a gold medal.