Ottawa Senators Sign Drake Batherson to Record Contract Extension

The Ottawa Senators have secured forward Drake Batherson with an eight-year contract extension valued at a $10.75 million average annual value (AAV), just before the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement takes effect.

This contract includes $30 million in signing bonuses and features a full no-move clause for the first four years, transitioning to a no-trade clause for the final four years. Batherson, who is 28 years old, is expected to remain with the Senators for the duration of his career, having been drafted by the team in 2017.

Batherson has emerged as Ottawa's leading winger, consistently scoring over 65 points in the last three seasons. His recent performance peaked in the 2025-26 season with 33 goals and 71 points. The Senators' decision to offer this lucrative contract reflects their commitment to building a competitive team, especially after trading their former captain earlier this year. This signing is a significant shift in the Senators' approach to player compensation, as they typically avoid large signing bonuses.