OTTAWA — In the end, Drake Batherson knew Ottawa was where he wanted to stay.
The Senators announced Tuesday that they have signed 28-year-old forward signed an eight-year contract extension. The deal carries an average annual value of US$10.5 million, making it the largest contract in the NHL franchise's history.
Batherson’s extension will begin in the 2027-28 season. He’s entering the last year of a six-year, $29.85 million contract.
Batherson said at a press conference announcing the signing that he briefly considered testing the market but “this is where I call home and where I want to be.”
"Obviously going into last year, you think about 'do I want to test the market or do I want to stay here?' And my mind just kept coming back — I want to get a deal done in Ottawa and play here for as long as I can," he said.
Drafted by the Senators 121st overall in 2017, Batherson has developed into a solid, versatile top-six forward. He has steadily improved his offensive output each year, and last season scored a career-high 33 goals and 71 points.
“Drake exemplifies what it is to be an Ottawa Senator,” said general manager Steve Staios 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.”
With former captain Brady Tkachuk being traded to the Florida Panthers in the off-season, Batherson will be counted on to take an even bigger role as the Senators look to make a third consecutive post-season appearance.
Batherson has played a significant role in helping Ottawa turn into a competitive team after years of frustration and wanted to see that development through.
Despite Ottawa being swept by the eventual Stanley Cup-champion Carolina Hurricanes in the opening round of the playoffs last season, Batherson feels there is a lot to build off.
“We’re a bounce or two away from making that series close, and then who knows what would have happened,” said Batherson. “So, I think just the belief, and I know how bad guys, you know, on the team want it and I wanted to be a part of it.”
He learned the deal had been finalized Monday evening while barbecuing with teammates Jake Sanderson and Steven Halliday and quickly shared the news with his parents.
His mom was at Walmart and joked that she might pick up a few additional items.
“They never in a million years thought obviously we’d be in this position today, but they’re just super happy,” Batherson said. “And, you know, I owe a lot of credit to my family for where I am today.”
Getting the deal done was important for a number of reasons, including the timing. The NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement takes effect at midnight on Wednesday, reducing the maximum term for a player re-signing with his current team from eight years to seven, while free-agent deals with a new team will be capped at six years.
“I think it was more just getting it out of the way before the season started,” Batherson said. “I just wanted a clear mind and just focus on winning hockey games. Not have any outside distractions about you know how my contract's going to look or anything. I just wanted to get it done, come into the rink every day, and just focus clearly on winning hockey games for this team.”
Batherson has developed a close friendship with Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon and is part of the group that trains with the two stars in the off-season. Both were quick to reach out once news of the deal became public.
Batherson laughed when it was pointed out that he now made more than Crosby.
“I definitely don’t deserve to be making more money than him," he said
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2026.
Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press
