Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson is reportedly seeking an eight-year contract as a key deadline approaches for the NHL club to secure him long-term.
Batherson and the Senators are not believed to be close to an agreement, according to TSN. The 28-year-old is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The Senators have until September 15 to sign Batherson to an eight-year extension and after that players re-signing with their current clubs will be limited to seven-year deals, while those joining new teams can sign for a maximum of six years.
Batherson is entering the final season of a six-year contract signed in 2021, carrying a $4.95 million cap hit.
Garrioch reports Batherson could command between $10 million and $11 million annually on the open market next summer.
Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe’s eight-year, $85 million contract has been cited as a possible comparable.
Batherson scored 33 goals and recorded 71 points in 79 games for Ottawa last season. He added three goals and four points in four playoff appearances.
The Senators drafted Batherson 121st overall in 2017. He has since registered 149 goals and 364 points across 470 NHL games.
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