Drake Batherson signs 8-year, $86M extension with Senators

Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson has signed an eight-year, $86 million extension with the team through the 2034-35 season, it was announced Tuesday.

The deal carries an average annual value of $10.75 million per season and is the most lucrative contract in Senators history.

"Drake exemplifies what it is to be an Ottawa Senator," general manager and president of hockey operations Steve Staios said. "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, 28, is only the second player in league history to increase his individual points total in seven consecutive seasons, joining Vic Stasiuk from 1953-54 to '59-60 with Detroit. Batherson had 33 goals and 38 assists in 79 games last season, and he also led the Senators with four points in four postseason games.

The Senators' previous record contract was an eight-year, $66.8 million extension signed by Tim Stutzle in September 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.