The Ottawa Senators have finally gotten the Drake Batherson extension across the finish line, or so it appears. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Senators are nearing a major extension with Batherson that would begin in 2027-28.
According to Friedman, the deal that is being reported is going to be the largest one in franchise history.
"Exact terms are unclear, but it’s believed to average somewhere between $10.5M and $11M per season. It would be the largest contract in franchise history—a major commitment and a relief to the fanbase."Friedman
Batherson's new deal will reset the internal salary cap that Ottawa had. Which means the next top player to sign an extension will likely come in below him. Unless your name is Tim Stutzle or Jake Sanderson.
Senators lock up Batherson long-term
With the deal close to being done, it allowed the Senators to sign the 28-year-old forward to an eight-year deal. There was some concern that the contract would be cut down to seven years due to the new CBA that comes into effect on Sept 16th. Now, Senators fans can take a deep breath and enjoy a win, with Batherson locked up long-term.
After the offseason that the Senators had, this is a huge step in the right direction. Their former captain, Brady Tkachuk, was traded to the Florida Panthers to play with his brother, Matthew, after wanting out of the organization. After that, there seemed to be some doubt amongst the fanbase that the deal wouldn't get signed before the CBA deadline. And although there was still one year left on Batherson's contract, this could have had lasting implications if it wasn't done.
However, now, all that worry goes away, and the Senators' organization and fan base can go to sleep knowing that one of their top forwards is locked up for not only eight more seasons after the 2026-27 season. But also that he wanted to stay in Ottawa and help the organization push for a Stanley Cup.
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