Drake Batherson’s name is worth contacting the Edmonton Oilers, but his cap-friendly contract shouldn’t be confused with a quick steal.
There have been no formal discussions between Ottawa and Edmonton over a possible trade. Instead, what is actually stated is that Batherson and the Senators are significantly apart on a new deal.
Before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027, Batherson has a $4,975,000 cap charge in the last year of his contract.
He just had his best offensive season of his career, scoring 33 goals and 38 assists in 79 games, for a total of 71 points. This is exactly the kind of player Edmonton might use alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Edmonton is now projected to have about $4,725,834 in cap space, which is only $249,166 less than what is needed to absorb his complete contract.
Career-wise, Batherson has tallied 364 points in 470 games, with 149 goals and 215 assists, showing that this surge in shooting was not a fluke.
The true danger here is Batherson’s forthcoming contract.
Additionally, the underlying numbers support it, with a 55% Corsi share and 2.11 points per 60 at five-on-five, a player who actively leads the play instead of relying on an elite center.
There wouldn’t be much trouble fitting his present agreement. The real complication arises at the next stage.
Adrian Kempe’s contract, an eight-year agreement valued at $10,625,000 yearly that would consume nearly 9.4% of the predicted $113,500,000 cap ceiling in 2027–28, is allegedly being utilized as a comparison by Batherson’s camp.
A bargain rental becomes a much more significant long-term commitment when it is anywhere near that price.
A reasonable price probably starts with a young NHL-ready forward, a first round equivalent, and a conditional piece related to signing long-term.
Matt Savoie should not be included in that deal. Edmonton needs inexpensive, controllable youthful talent too much to let him go for one guaranteed season of rental.
A contract disagreement does not immediately suggest that Batherson has asked for a trade, especially given his public statements that Ottawa seems like home. The wisest course of action for Edmonton is to ask for permission to speak with Extension before giving up anything of value.
If he signs somewhere between $9.5 million and $10 million, he becomes a genuine long-term asset. Perhaps that money might be more effectively divided between two useful forwards if it exceeds $11,000,000.
Here, the hockey fit is obvious. The entire question remains as to whether the contract will fit.
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