Drake Batherson has surfaced as a possible target for Mike Babcock and the Edmonton Oilers if Ottawa's contract talks remain stalled.
The Senators winger is entering the final season of his deal with a $4,975,000 cap hit and unrestricted free agency waiting next summer.
That contract status could make Batherson one of the biggest names available before the 2027 trade deadline, especially if Ottawa falls behind in the Eastern Conference race.
Oilers Nation Everyday host Tyler Yaremchuk placed Edmonton among the potential landing spots for the 28-year-old winger.
“The new name has emerged on my list of wingers the Oilers could acquire midseason,” Yaremchuk said.
His criteria were straightforward: a productive player, a struggling seller and a “pending UFA” who could become available without a long-term commitment.
Batherson checks those boxes after producing 33 goals and 71 points across 79 regular-season games for the Senators.
Batherson could fill Edmonton's top-six need
Edmonton's interest would make sense. Batherson is a 6-foot-3 right winger who can finish around the crease, work on the power play and provide another option beside Connor McDavid.
He scored 13 power-play goals last season, giving the Oilers a proven special-teams threat who wouldn't need sheltered minutes to create offence.
Yaremchuk was direct when discussing the possibility of Ottawa moving him: “That's the guy.”
The larger question is price. Ottawa wouldn't be eager to strengthen another Canadian club without receiving a meaningful return, and Edmonton's limited trade assets could force Stan Bowman into a difficult negotiation.
Bowman also has to protect the Oilers' cap structure. Batherson's current number is manageable, but any extension would likely require Edmonton to move salary elsewhere.
For Babcock, the attraction would be immediate deployment. Batherson could step into the top six, support the first power-play unit and give Edmonton another established finisher during a playoff push.
Nothing is close, and the Senators still control the situation. But if their season slips and extension talks stay quiet, Batherson's name will remain firmly attached to Edmonton's deadline plans.
Should the Edmonton Oilers trade for Drake Batherson?
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