The Ottawa Senators signed forward Drake Batherson to an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $10.75 million, the team announced Tuesday.
The deal will contain $30 million in bonuses and a no-movement clause in the first four years, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
It's the largest contract in franchise history. Batherson was set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
"Drake exemplifies what it is to be an Ottawa Senator," president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios said. "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."
Batherson tallied a career-high 33 goals and 71 points in 79 games last season. He added three goals and four points in four playoff contests.
The 28-year-old has played his entire eight-season career in Ottawa. Batherson has 149 goals and 364 points in 470 total games. The Senators drafted him 121st overall in 2017.
Batherson is concluding a six-year pact with a $4.975-million cap hit, which he signed in September 2021.
The Senators' highest cap hit this season belongs to Tim Stutzle at $8.35 million. He's signed through 2030-31.
New NHL rules that eliminate eight-year contracts and place further restrictions on front-loading deals and signing bonuses go into effect Wednesday at 12 a.m. ET.
