Batherson Eyes Long-Term Future With the Sens
Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson has made one thing clear heading into the offseason: he wants to stay. In a recent interview with The Hockey News, Batherson said he's fully open to signing a contract extension this summer and that life in Ottawa has felt exactly right.
"Ottawa feels like home," Batherson said. "I love this city, I love the guys in the locker room, and I love what we're building here. I want to be a part of it."
It's the kind of quote that Senators fans have been hoping to hear. Batherson, 25, has grown into one of the team's most reliable offensive contributors since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. His development arc — from long-shot prospect to bonafide top-six winger — mirrors the broader story of a franchise that has quietly positioned itself as one of the more exciting young teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Case for Locking Him Up
Batherson posted another productive season, reinforcing his value as a dynamic playmaker with a nose for the net. His chemistry with linemates has been one of the team's more consistent bright spots, and his two-way game has sharpened significantly under the current coaching staff.
From a business standpoint, signing Batherson before he hits the open market makes sense for both sides. For the Senators, retaining him avoids a bidding war in free agency where his market value would likely climb. For Batherson, locking in long-term security while continuing to play in a city and system where he's thriving is a reasonable path forward.
The salary cap implications will be the main hurdle. Ottawa has several young core pieces to re-sign over the next couple of seasons, and general manager Steve Staios will need to be creative in structuring deals that keep the group together without painting the franchise into a corner.
What It Means for Ottawa
Beyond the contract mechanics, Batherson's comments carry real meaning for a franchise and fanbase still rebuilding trust after years of lottery-pick finishes and organizational uncertainty.
When players openly say they want to be in Ottawa — not just that they're willing to be — it signals something is genuinely working. The Canadian Tire Centre crowd has been louder and more engaged as the team's trajectory has improved, and moments like these help cement the relationship between the club and the community.
Senators fans know better than most how quickly things can change in professional hockey. But hearing a 25-year-old in his prime say that Ottawa feels like home? That's worth something.
Extension talks are expected to ramp up over the coming weeks. If both sides can find common ground on term and dollars, Ottawa could have Batherson locked up well before training camp opens in the fall.
Source: The Hockey News
