NHL rumors: Drake Batherson, Senators still far apart in contract talks

It doesn’t appear that the Ottawa Senators, who were defeated in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the eventual title-winning Carolina Hurricanes, are making much progress on a new contract for forward Drake Batherson.

Batherson, who has one more season left on his current contract before he’s eligible for free agency, is said to be far apart in negotiations with general manager Steve Staios on a new deal, according to a recent report from Senators Insider Bruce Garrioch.

“Batherson, who is entering the final season of a six-year deal worth $4.95 million U.S. annually, is expected by league executives to command as much as $10 million to $11 million per year on the open market,” Garrioch said via The Ottawa Citizen. “While Senators president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios has opened discussions on an extension, league sources told the Ottawa Citizen they believe the two sides “aren’t close” to an agreement.”

Batherson has spent his entire NHL tenure with the Senators, who drafted him 121st overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. After making his league debut during the 2018-19 season, he recorded three goals and six assists across 20 games while also spending much of the year with Belleville Senators, where he posted 22 goals and 40 assists in 59 contests.

Since establishing himself as a full-time NHL contributor, Batherson has appeared in 479 regular-season games, totaling 149 goals, 215 assists, 364 points, and 197 penalty minutes. He has also suited up in 10 postseason contests, contributing four goals, two assists, and 14 penalty minutes during his Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.

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