Recent reports suggesting that the Ottawa Senators were considering trading forward Drake Batherson have been met with strong denials from the team's leadership. Senators owner Michael Andlauer and General Manager Steve Staios have both publicly refuted the rumors, stating unequivocally that there is "no truth" to the speculation. These statements were made at the team's alumni golf tournament, an event that provided a platform for addressing the swirling conjecture surrounding Batherson's future with the franchise.
The trade rumors gained traction following a report by Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch, who indicated that some teams had inquired about Batherson's availability and that some within the Senators organization were frustrated with the winger's inconsistency. Garrioch also mentioned Batherson's name had been floated at the trade deadline. However, Andlauer and Staios have moved swiftly to quash these reports and reassure both the player and the fanbase of Batherson's continued presence in Ottawa.
Andlauer addressed the media directly, stating firmly that the reports were "not right" and that there was "no truth to that." He emphasized the importance of accurate sourcing and the potential impact of such rumors on players. Staios echoed Andlauer's sentiments, confirming that he had spoken with Batherson to reassure him about the team's commitment. According to Staios, Batherson did not appear overly concerned about the rumors and their conversation primarily focused on his training regimen and off-season preparations.
Batherson, 27, is currently under contract with the Senators for two more seasons, carrying a $4.975 million cap hit. He is coming off a productive season where he scored 26 goals and 68 points in 82 games. However, his playoff performance was less impressive, with only two points in the team's first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Selected by the Senators in the fourth round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Batherson has accumulated 116 goals and 177 assists in his NHL career.
The swift and decisive response from the Senators' leadership underscores their commitment to Batherson and their desire to maintain stability within the team. By directly addressing the rumors, Andlauer and Staios aimed to prevent any further speculation and reaffirm their belief in Batherson's role in the team's future.
In addition to addressing the Batherson trade rumors, Staios provided updates on contract negotiations with veteran forward Claude Giroux. Giroux, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, has expressed a desire to remain with the Senators. Staios indicated that discussions with Giroux's representatives were progressing positively and expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached. Staios also mentioned that the team is in talks with Fabian Zetterlund, who is a restricted free agent.
Furthermore, Staios offered insights into the team's salary cap strategy, suggesting that the Senators may not utilize their full cap space in the upcoming season. This approach would provide the team with financial flexibility to address future needs and potentially strengthen the roster through strategic acquisitions. The Senators currently have a bill of more than $83 million in player salary for the 2025-26 season. Owner Andlauer stated that the team is a small market team and will be competitive.
The proactive approach taken by Andlauer and Staios reflects a commitment to transparency and communication, signaling a new era of leadership for the Ottawa Senators.
