Will Drake Batherson get an extension in Ottawa?
TSN and Ottawa Citizen’s Bruce Garrioch joined Gino Reda on That’s Hockey after Shane Pinto signed a four-year contract extension to remain with the Ottawa Senators. Garrioch was asked who was next on the senators’ priority list for an extension.
NHLRumors.com Transcripts
Gino Reda: “Okay, so now that (Shane) Pinto has signed, who is the next top priority for the Senators?”
NHL Rumors: Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators
Bruce Garrioch: “Well, I mentioned him before, it’s got to be Drake Batherson, and he’s 12 to 18 months away from unrestricted free agency. He makes $4.95 million a year. I think we’re all going to turn to him now and say, ‘Okay, Drake, what are you going to do?’ The other boys have risen again, and the other boys will be around for a while. He has a team-friendly contract.
In many ways he is scoring big goals for this team. He has become an important part of this franchise. I think we’re all going to look at him now and say, ‘Drake, are you going to stick with this for the long haul, or are you going to test unfettered free agency?’ And given the value of that contract right now, that’s probably a decision that will become even more intense sometime in the summer.”
Ottawa Senators looking to defend
The Ottawa Citizen’s Bruce Garrioch: Garrioch writes that with the loss of Thomas Chabot to a neuromuscular disease and losing Donovan Sebrango via waivers to the Florida Panthers in October, the Ottawa Senators are in need of defensemen.
NHL Rumors: Will the Ottawa Senators make a move and will it be a weird trade year?
However, according to his sources, while Senators GM Steve Staios is making calls to find a defenseman, there aren’t many moves Ottawa can make at this point with so many teams still in the playoff race. One option could be Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ville Heinola, who is looking for a fresh start.
The most important thing for the Senators is finding depth at the position. They need someone who can help not only in the NHL but also in the AHL.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumors overviews and hot topics from around the league. We also post some stuff Instagramso follow us there too.
#Ottawa #Senators #Drake #Batherson #Defence