Batherson extension signals dawn of new Senators era

A couple of years ago, it wasn’t hard to find an Ottawa Senators fan willing to drive Drake Batherson to the airport.

Not to catch the team charter, but to get on a plane out of town.

The likeable winger was in one of his dry spells as a scorer and, more so then, was not going to remind anyone of a Selke Trophy candidate for his defensive prowess. With the team winning here and losing there, in a kind of treadmill pattern, Batherson was a popular target of derision on Ottawa’s post-game radio call-in shows.

As late as 2025, Batherson was a popular trade deadline rumour.

Ground can shift quickly in the NHL. Reputations change. As do salary landscapes.