Ottawa Senators sign Drake Batherson to eight-year contract extension

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Drake Batherson to an eight-year contract extension, the club announced Tuesday.

The deal carries an annual average value of US$10.75 million and keeps the 28-year-old winger under contract through the 2034-35 NHL season.

“Drake exemplifies what it is to be an Ottawa Senator,” Senators general manager Steve Staios said in a statement. “He was drafted and developed by our organization and has shown a commitment to wanting to be in Ottawa long term. We view him as a key part of our core group.”

Ottawa selected Batherson in the fourth round, 121st overall, of the 2017 NHL draft.