Ottawa Senators Sign Young Forward to Massive Extension!

The Ottawa Senators continue to take care of business as the team has announced a massive six-year contract extension for forward Drake Batherson. The deal pays the 23-year-old $4.975 million per season.

Batherson's 6-year ($4.975M AAV) breakdown:

Year 1: $2.5M
Year 2: $3.5M
Year 3: $5.4M
Year 4: $5.4M
Year 5: $6.5M
Year 6: $6.55M

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 3, 2021

In 2020-21 the Nova Scotia native collected 34 points in 56 games, enjoying a breakout season with the Senators. The former fourth-round pick was a staple on the team's top-six forward group and showed he is a core piece for the Senators moving forward.

This deal is now done, however the Senators still have a ton of work to do to sign Brady Tkachuk, who is reportedly pretty pissed off he has yet to receive a legit offer from the team. Seeing Batherson get his contract first probably is not going to sit well with Tkachuk, but welcome to the business side of the NHL.

Look for the Tkachuk deal to come down to the wire before training camp, meanwhile Batherson gets paid and rightfully so. If you're playing fantasy hockey for the 2021/22 season, he's certainly someone you should have on your radar in the later rounds.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports