The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Drake Batherson to an eight-year contract, according to reports from Pierre LeBrun and Elliotte Friedman. The deal includes an average annual value (AAV) of $10.75 million, with additional bonuses totaling $30 million, marking the first time the Senators have included such a large bonus structure in a contract. The new agreement is reportedly fully guaranteed for the first four years.
Batherson, 28, is a right-winger who has established himself as a top-line scorer and a key contributor on the power play. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded 33 goals and 38 assists for 71 points in 79 games, including 30 power-play points. Over his career, he has accumulated 364 points in 470 games, showcasing his consistent offensive production.
Friedman added that the contract includes a no-movement clause (NMC) for the first four years, which means Batherson cannot be traded during that period. LeBrun did not mention the NMC in his initial report, but Friedman’s later update provided more specific details about the bonus structure and the NMC.
The deal represents a significant long-term commitment by the Senators to Batherson, who has become a cornerstone of their offense. With his contract now in place, the team will look to build around him as they continue to develop their roster for the future.