The Ottawa Senators have consented to terms with forward Drake Batherson on a six-year, $29.85 million contract, the group declared on Friday. The deal carries a average annual value of $4.975 million.
Last season, Batherson ranked fourth among Senators in scoring with 34 focuses (17 objectives, 17 helps) while playing in every one of the group’s 56 regular-season games. His 17 goals tied for the club’s second-highest total.
“Drake represents an integral component of our future at forward,” general manager Pierre Dorion said in a statement. “Dating to his first pro season, he has steadily progressed to the point where he is now widely recognized as a bonafide top line NHL winger.
“He possesses a strong ability to play at both ends of the ice, is a key powerplay contributor and someone we expect to be a prominent player for us for several years to come.”
Batherson, 23, has spent the last three seasons in Ottawa, counting 23 goals and 30 assists over 99 career games.