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The Edmonton Oilers could have another trade target to monitor before the 2027 NHL trade deadline. Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson has emerged as a potential fit after reports suggested his contract talks remain “very far apart.”
Speaking on the Oilers Nation Everyday podcast, Tyler Yaremchuk identified Batherson as an ideal midseason addition if Ottawa falls out of the playoff race. He said, “The new name has emerged on my list of wingers the Oilers could acquire midseason.”
MORE: Oilers’ stars Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl will face added pressure after Mike Babcock hire
Yaremchuk explained his thinking. “The criteria is a good player on a team that could be bad and have to sell, pending UFA.” He added, “The Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson are apparently, quote, ‘very far apart’ in contract negotiations.”
Batherson is entering the final season of his contract carrying a $4.975 million cap hit. The 28-year-old scored a career-best 33 goals and 71 points in 79 games last season. He also led Ottawa with three playoff goals despite the team’s first-round sweep.
Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson (19) during a stop in play at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Yaremchuk praised both the player’s production and contract value. “This dude rips off 20 goals in his sleep every year.” He added, “If the Senators aren’t going to sign him, and the Senators might be worse than they expect this year, giddy up. That’s the guy.”
His co-host Liam Horrobin agreed, calling the $4.9 million cap hit “a deal” and “so digestible.” He noted Edmonton should have enough accumulated cap space to absorb the full contract by the deadline.
The discussion also focused on roster fit. Horrobin described Batherson as “an offensive generator” before adding, “Not much of a possession driver, which actually would be quite good, especially on McDavid’s wing.” Yaremchuk confirmed Batherson is a right winger, prompting the response, “We’re short on those.”
For now, Ottawa still hopes to reach common ground. Batherson has publicly said “Ottawa feels like home” and remains open to a long-term extension. However, reports suggest his camp seeks around $10-11 million annually while the Senators remain below that figure.
MORE: Jason Demers predicts Oilers will ‘run away’ with Pacific Division
From Edmonton’s perspective, patience makes sense. Stan Bowman preserved cap flexibility after a busy offseason. If negotiations collapse and Ottawa becomes a seller, Batherson would check nearly every box for an Oilers team seeking another proven top-six scorer beside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
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Speaking on the Oilers Nation Everyday podcast, Tyler Yaremchuk identified Batherson as an ideal midseason addition if Ottawa falls out of the playoff race. He said, “The new name has emerged on my list of wingers the Oilers could acquire midseason.”
MORE: Oilers’ stars Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl will face added pressure after Mike Babcock hire
Yaremchuk explained his thinking. “The criteria is a good player on a team that could be bad and have to sell, pending UFA.” He added, “The Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson are apparently, quote, ‘very far apart’ in contract negotiations.”
Batherson is entering the final season of his contract carrying a $4.975 million cap hit. The 28-year-old scored a career-best 33 goals and 71 points in 79 games last season. He also led Ottawa with three playoff goals despite the team’s first-round sweep.
Batherson fits Edmonton Oilers’ deadline blueprint
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Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson (19) during a stop in play at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Yaremchuk praised both the player’s production and contract value. “This dude rips off 20 goals in his sleep every year.” He added, “If the Senators aren’t going to sign him, and the Senators might be worse than they expect this year, giddy up. That’s the guy.”
His co-host Liam Horrobin agreed, calling the $4.9 million cap hit “a deal” and “so digestible.” He noted Edmonton should have enough accumulated cap space to absorb the full contract by the deadline.
The discussion also focused on roster fit. Horrobin described Batherson as “an offensive generator” before adding, “Not much of a possession driver, which actually would be quite good, especially on McDavid’s wing.” Yaremchuk confirmed Batherson is a right winger, prompting the response, “We’re short on those.”
For now, Ottawa still hopes to reach common ground. Batherson has publicly said “Ottawa feels like home” and remains open to a long-term extension. However, reports suggest his camp seeks around $10-11 million annually while the Senators remain below that figure.
MORE: Jason Demers predicts Oilers will ‘run away’ with Pacific Division
From Edmonton’s perspective, patience makes sense. Stan Bowman preserved cap flexibility after a busy offseason. If negotiations collapse and Ottawa becomes a seller, Batherson would check nearly every box for an Oilers team seeking another proven top-six scorer beside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Continue reading...
