Heading into the 2025-26 season, Drake Batherson will be heavily relied on by the Ottawa Senators. Batherson recorded career highs with 42 assists and 68 points last season. However, the start of a new season will be without Batherson to start.
Today, it was announced that Batherson will be out for the season opener tomorrow night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Yesterday, Batherson went on IR along with Tyler Kleven ahead of the season opener. Now, IR has hit the Senators and Batherson ahead of the season opener.
Batherson recorded four points in four games against the Lightning last season. Now, the Senators will need somebody to make up Batherson's offense in the first game.
Despite being ruled out for the season opener tomorrow, the Senators are hopeful that Batherson will play in the second game of the season on Saturday night against the Florida Panthers.