Ottawa Senators’ player Drake Batherson has inked an $86 million contract extension, committing to the team for the next eight years. The announcement of the deal was made by the club, securing the services of the 28-year-old forward from New Minas, N.S., at an annual salary nearing $11 million.
Expressing his gratitude, Batherson mentioned his surprise at the significant financial terms of the contract during his media briefing following the re-signing. Despite considering other options, Batherson cited his love for the city and its fans as pivotal in his decision to prolong his stay in Ottawa, labeling it as his home and preferred location.
In the previous season, Batherson achieved a remarkable feat by becoming only the second player in NHL history to elevate his point tally in seven consecutive seasons. He concluded his eighth season with the Senators accumulating 33 goals and 71 points.
General Manager and President of Hockey Operations, Steve Staios, praised Batherson’s loyalty to the team, highlighting his draft and development within the organization as well as his desire for a long-term commitment to Ottawa.
Batherson, originally selected by the Senators in the fourth round of the 2017 draft, follows in the footsteps of his father, Norm, who also played hockey for Ottawa’s AHL affiliate in the 1990s.
The Senators have been active in the offseason, making notable moves such as trading captain Brady Tkachuk to Florida and acquiring scoring forward William Eklund using draft picks from the trade. Additionally, Senators’ Hall of Famer Daniel Alfredsson is set to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as an associate coach.
The team is scheduled to kick off the upcoming season with a game against the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Oct. 3, followed by their home opener against Philadelphia just five days later.
