Story Summary
Drake Batherson signed an eight-year, $86 million contract with the Ottawa Senators. The deal carries an average annual value of $10.75 million, begins next season and follows a career-best campaign in which the 28-year-old forward scored 33 goals and registered 71 points in 79 regular-season games.
Key Facts
- Drake Batherson signed an eight-year, $86 million contract with the Ottawa Senators.
- The contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $10.75 million and begins next season.
- Batherson, 28, is entering the final season of a six-year, $29.85 million contract he signed on Sept. 3, 2021 (that deal carried a $4.975 million AAV).
- Last season Batherson set NHL career highs with 33 goals and 71 points in 79 regular-season games.
- He added four points (three goals, one assist) in four Stanley Cup Playoff games last season.
- Since his first full NHL season (2020-21), Batherson has 141 power-play points (55 goals) for Ottawa, second on the team to Tim Stutzle (145 points).
- Batherson led the Senators last season with 30 power-play points (13 goals).
- Selected by Ottawa in the fourth round (No. 121) of the 2017 NHL Draft.
- Batherson has 364 points (149 goals, 215 assists) in 470 regular-season games, and six points (four goals, two assists) in 10 playoff games.
- General manager Steve Staios said: ” Drake exemplifies what it is to be an Ottawa Senator. He was drafted and developed by our organisation and has shown a commitment to wanting to be in Ottawa long term. We view him as a key part of our core group.”
IHM Discussion
The eight-year term and $10.75 million AAV commit Ottawa to a forward coming off career highs of 33 goals and 71 points in 79 games. Batherson also produced four points, including three goals, in four playoff games last season.
Since his first full NHL season in 2020-21, Batherson ranks second for Ottawa with 141 power-play points, including 55 goals, behind Tim Stutzle’s 145 points. He led the Senators with 30 power-play points, including 13 goals, last season. That production gives Ottawa continuity with a proven power-play contributor as the new deal approaches.
Batherson has combined goal scoring and playmaking across 470 regular-season games, recording 149 goals and 215 assists. His long-term value will rest on sustaining that offensive production through the length of the contract.
Why It Matters
The deal keeps a player developed by Ottawa in the organisation for the long term. Batherson led the Senators with 30 power-play points last season and enters the final year of his previous contract before the new agreement begins.
IHM Market Outlook
Batherson’s new $10.75 million AAV is a significant increase on the $4.975 million AAV of his previous six-year contract. Ottawa has committed eight years to a forward coming off NHL career highs of 33 goals and 71 points.
Mini Q&A
What deal did Drake Batherson sign?
An eight-year, $86 million contract with the Ottawa Senators.
What is the contract’s average annual value?
$10.75 million AAV.
When does the contract begin?
The contract begins next season.
How did Batherson perform last season?
He scored a career-high 33 goals and posted 71 points in 79 regular-season games, plus four points (three goals, one assist) in four playoff games.
How long had his previous contract been and at what AAV?
He was entering the final season of a six-year, $29.85 million contract that carried a $4.975 million AAV.
Where was Batherson selected in the NHL Draft?
He was selected by Ottawa in the fourth round, No. 121 overall, of the 2017 NHL Draft.
Coach Mark Comment
Batherson’s power-play production stands out: he led Ottawa with 30 points on the man advantage last season. Maintaining that role while keeping his five-on-five game effective will be central to the value of this long-term commitment.
What Comes Next
The contract begins next season, and Batherson is entering the final season of his previous six-year deal.
IHM Final View
Ottawa has made a long-term commitment to Batherson after a season in which he set career highs with 33 goals and 71 points. His power-play impact and ability to produce across the regular season will now be central to the value of the eight-year deal.