Drake Cashes In

Even the most casual of hockey fans realize that the financial landscape in the NHL has changed this summer . . . and in a major way.

And even the most casual of Ottawa Senator fans realize – some with a grimace and groan – that the payout to high-scoring winger Drake Batherson was huge, yet inevitable.

‘Tis the way of things.

So then, how does eight years and $86 million US grab you?

Gut punch?

Hardly.

With an annual average of $10.75 million US, Batherson’s deal is a pretty fair one, for both sides. It also represents the largest deal in Ottawa Senators’ history.

At the age of 28, Batherson is now set to remain in Ottawa until he reaches 37.

He has one year remaining on his initial contract which was inked six years ago.

For the money that’s being handed out across the league this summer, the Senators got off fairly easy (although diehards might disagree). The guy scored 33 goals last season and has tallied 87 goals in his last three seasons.

Comparables include Washington’s Alex Tuch. The former Buffalo Sabre – who is two years older than Batherson – moved on just weeks before the Batherson contract signing. Oddly enough, Tuch signed with the Caps for nearly the same deal as Batherson at eight years and $84 million US. Oddly enough Part 2, Tuch also bagged 33 goals in 2025-26. In his last three seasons, Tuch has 91 goals. In essence, remarkably similar players, although some would contest that Tuch plays with a bit more jam.

Of course, both those contracts pale in comparison to the recent signings of Cale Makar (Colorado), Leo Carlsson (Anaheim), and Macklin Celebrini (San Jose).

Those were whoppers.

Management was saying all the right words just prior to the announcement of Batherson’s deal.

“Drake exemplifies what it is to be an Ottawa Senator,” said GM Steve Staios in a statement last week. “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.”

Batherson clearly wanted to remain in Ottawa as he spoke to the media during the club’s annual charity golf tourney last week.

“It would be nice to get it done before the season and not have that distraction before the games start,” Batherson said at the time “(Staios) knows I want to be here. They’ll keep moving forward and hopefully something gets done.”

And something did.

In retrospect, all these massive deals coming to fruition this summer puts former team GM Pierre Dorion in a better light. Dorion signed all of Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson and Tim Stutzle to lengthy contracts well under the current market value.

Stutzle’s deal at a cap hit of $8.35 million US (through 2030-31) will lead the Senators this season . . . that’s until Batherson’s new one kicks in next fall.

thegrossgame@yahoo.com

Photo: Courtesy Sportsnet.ca