yahoo
The Ottawa Senators are facing a potential contract crisis as they attempt to secure the services of forward Drake Batherson beyond the upcoming season. According to insider Bruce Garrioch of The Ottawa Citizen, the team and the player are not close to reaching a new deal, casting uncertainty over Batherson's future with the club.
Batherson, 28, is set to enter the final year of a six-year contract that carries an average annual value of $4.95 million. League executives believe he could command between $10 million and $11 million per season on the open market, a substantial increase from his current salary. Senators general manager Steve Staios has initiated discussions, but sources suggest a significant gap remains between the two parties.
Key Analysis
The contract impasse comes on the heels of a career-best season for Batherson, who tallied 33 goals and 71 points in 79 games, marking his first 30-goal campaign. Over the past four seasons, he has netted 109 of his 149 career NHL goals, establishing himself as a key offensive contributor. However, the financial landscape of the league, highlighted by Adrian Kempe's recent eight-year, $85 million extension with the Los Angeles Kings, may be influencing Batherson's expectations. Kempe's deal pays him $10.625 million annually, and Batherson's camp is reportedly using that as a comparable.
Another sticking point could be the structure of a potential deal. The Senators have historically been reluctant to include signing bonuses, while many modern contracts feature them. This discrepancy could make the open market more appealing to Batherson, who has spent his entire NHL career in Ottawa since being drafted 121st overall in 2017. Over 479 career games, he has accumulated 149 goals and 215 assists for 364 points, along with 10 playoff appearances where he has contributed four goals and two assists.
Originally reported by yahoo.