Mike Babcock and the Edmonton Oilers may turn their attention to Drake Batherson if the discussions on his contract in Ottawa continue to stagnate.
The Senators winger is entering the last season of his contract with a $4,975,000 cap impact and unrestricted free agency waiting next summer.
Especially if Ottawa lags behind in the Eastern Conference race, that contract status may make Batherson one of the biggest names on the market before the trade deadline in 2027.
Tyler Yaremchuk, the host of Oilers Nation Everyday, listed Edmonton as one of the prospective destinations for the 28-year-old winger.
“The new name has surfaced on my list of midseason winger acquisitions the Oilers may make,” Yaremchuk stated.
A productive player, a troubled seller, and a “pending UFA” who might be bought out without a long-term commitment were his simple requirements.
After scoring 33 goals and 71 points in 79 regular-season games with the Senators, Batherson ticks those boxes.
Edmonton may use Batherson to complete their top six.
Edmonton would be smart to be interested. Batherson is a 6’3″ right winger who can finish around the goal, work on the power play, and give Connor McDavid another alternative.
He scored 13 power-play goals last season, giving the Oilers a proven special-teams threat who wouldn’t require sheltered minutes to produce offense.
In reference to the chance of Ottawa moving him, Yaremchuk was forthright, saying, “That’s the guy.”
Price is the more important topic. Edmonton’s restricted trade assets might push Stan Bowman into a challenging discussion since Ottawa would be hesitant to improve another Canadian club without a significant return.
Bowman must also defend the Oilers’ cap structure. While Batherson’s present numbers are reasonable, Edmonton would probably have to transfer money somewhere else if he were to receive an extension.
Immediate deployment would be the allure for Babcock. During a playoff push, Batherson might join the top six, back the first power-play squad, and provide Edmonton with an additional established finisher.
The Senators still have control, and there’s nothing near. However, if their season declines and extension negotiations remain silent, Batherson’s name will remain strongly associated with Edmonton’s deadline plans.
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