Drake Batherson will be spending eight more seasons with the Ottawa Senators. The NHL club announced Batherson signed an eight year, $86 million contract extension on Tuesday. The deal carries an average salary of $10.75 million. According to Postmedia columnist and TSN Hockey contributor Bruce Garrioch, the deal includes $30 million paid in bonus money. “Drake exemplifies what it is to be an Ottawa Senator,” Steve Staios, Senators general manager, said in a statement. “He was drafted and developed by our organization and has shown a commitment to wanting to be in Ottawa long term. We view him as a key part of our core group.” The new eight-year contract will kick in next season. Batherson has a cap hit of $4.95 million for the 2026-27 season. Batherson will be the highest paid Ottawa Senators player. “It felt like home,” Batherson said when asked why he wanted to remain in Ottawa long term. “You know, going into last year, you think about, do I want to test the market or do I want to stay here? And you know, my mind just kept coming back,” Batherson said. “I want to get a deal done in Ottawa and play here for you know as long as I can.” The 28-year-old had 33 goals and 38 assists for the Senators last season. He added three goals and an assist in the playoffs for the Senators. In eight seasons with the Senators, Batherson has scored 149 goals and added 215 assists in 470 games.
