Senators & Batherson Talks Update Not Good News For Ottawa Fans

In recent weeks, it has become clear that the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson still have a large gap in extension talks. The latest report from insider Bruce Garrioch in the Ottawa Citizen does not paint any prettier of a picture for Sens fans. 

The two sides would like to come to an agreement. But with the belief around the league that Batherson could command between $10M - $11M AAV on the open market, his asking price is likely beyond what the Senators would like at this point.

And there is a deadline of sorts.

Batherson wants an eight-year deal. But the league's new CBA is coming into effect next month, and with it, the maximum length of a contract drops to seven years for a player to sign an extension with his incumbent team.

League sources “don’t believe” Batherson and the Senators “are close to a deal at this time.” 

If no extension is signed by Sept. 15, Batherson and the Senators would lose the ability to secure an eight-year contract. 

If no extension is in place by Sept. 15, it will indicate Batherson may enter the season without one. 

At that point, if Batherson signs on the open market with another team, his max term will be only six years. But Garrioch adds that "there will be no shortage of suitors, given the number of teams that possess significant cap space."

The 28-year-old center set career highs this past season with Ottawa, recording 33 goals and 71 points. The 6'3", 209-pound pivot also delivered 122 hits. 

Comps for a new Batherson extension are clear, but Sens aren't there yet

He's going into the final season of a six-year deal with a $4.95 million AAV. Comps for his next contract have included Alex Tuch (8 years, $10.5M AAV) and Adrian Kempe (8 years, $10.625M AAV). 

GM Steve Staios told us last week that he still hopes an extension can be reached. 

“There’s no secret that we want to get Drake Batherson signed,” Staios said. “That conversation is ongoing with Drake, and it takes two sides to come to a deal. But there’s been good dialogue as we move forward. 

“He’s a homegrown talent. It’s a great story. He continues to get better and we feel like we have a very great, strong, contending team with a chance to win. We want him to be a part of it.”