The Ottawa Senators offseason is already shaping up to be a fascinating one, and the latest chatter surrounding the potential trade of winger Drake Batherson has certainly set the NHL rumor mill ablaze. After a career-best season where the 27-year-old potted 26 goals and added 42 assists for 68 points, Batherson has solidified himself as a key offensive contributor for the Sens. So, why would his name even be mentioned in trade discussions?
Julian MacKenzie’s recent insights in The Athletic offer a grounded perspective on this developing story. As MacKenzie astutely points out, moving a player of Batherson’s caliber, especially with a very palatable $5 million cap hit that runs through the 2026-27 season, wouldn’t be a decision taken lightly. He’s in the prime of his career, a consistent scorer, and a player who has shown significant growth over his tenure in Ottawa. Trading him would inherently create a gaping hole in the Senators’ forward group, an area they’ve been striving to strengthen, not weaken.
The Logic (or Lack Thereof) Behind a Batherson Trade
The crux of the matter, as MacKenzie suggests, lies in what the Senators would receive in return. It wouldn’t make sense for General Manager Steve Staios to move Batherson unless the return is substantial – we’re talking about a top-pairing defenseman who can immediately step in and anchor the blueline, or a young, dynamic forward with proven goal-scoring prowess. Anything less would arguably be a step backward for a team that is supposedly on the cusp of contending for the Stanley Cup.
The Senators have struggled defensively for years, and acquiring a true number-one defenseman has been a long-standing need. If a deal involving Batherson could bring in that elusive cornerstone blueliner, then perhaps the pain of losing his offensive production could be mitigated. Similarly, if the return includes a forward who projects to be a consistent 30-plus goal scorer, a player the Senators desperately need, then the trade might become more justifiable.
However, simply trading Batherson to clear cap space without a clear target in mind would be a perplexing move. The Senators have other contracts they could potentially move if cap flexibility is the primary goal. Batherson’s value to the team, both on and off the ice, is significant. He’s a homegrown talent who has developed into a reliable top-six forward.
The reality is, unless Staios and his team have identified a specific player they are aggressively pursuing via trade or free agency, a player who would represent a clear upgrade or fill a critical need, then trading Drake Batherson seems counterintuitive. MacKenzie’s assessment rings true: this isn’t about shedding salary; it’s likely about a potential “full-court press” to acquire a game-changing talent.
For now, these remain rumors. But in the unpredictable world of the NHL, especially as the offseason kicks into high gear, nothing can be completely ruled out. Keep an eye on Ottawa – if Batherson is moved, you can bet there’s a significant corresponding move in the works.
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