Batherson talks about his summer, his ill-fated mullet, his teammates (incoming and outgoing) and a very tough Atlantic Division.

It’s been almost five years since 25-year-old Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson made his NHL debut. So it feels like he’s now become something of a veteran on the team. 

But between some early days spent in the minors and then a high ankle sprain, Batherson still hasn’t played the equivalent of three full seasons in the NHL. His games played total (227) is actually more in line with Tim Stutzle’s (210), who’s more than four years younger.

In 2021-22, Batherson was named to the NHL all-star game, rolling along at a point per game clip. But his fine season and all star appearance were both derailed by a high ankle sprain.

In 2022-23, Batherson had 8 points in the first 5 games and then one of Ottawa’s top two centres (Josh Norris) got hurt.

62 points in 82 games last season is nothing to sneeze at, but with Norris ready to return and Batherson’s ankle now in perfect shape, number 19 looks like a man in line for a big season. We caught up with Batherson during his summer downtime on the east coast.

THN Ottawa: Did you do anything fun this summer?

Batherson: Yeah, I actually did a few things. I went to Ireland after the season for a week on a golf trip. That was probably the most exciting part. And then a few weddings here and there. And other than that, just kind of been laying low, hanging out in Nova Scotia and can't complain. It's been awesome.

How was Brady Tkachuk's wedding?

It was awesome. Almost the whole team was there from last season, so it was about 15 of us. We all got in in the morning and spent the whole day together until the wedding at six o'clock. And it was awesome. 

We were at a couple of golf simulators, all the boys, so it was great seeing everyone. And even the guys that aren't coming back this year were there, so it was good to hang out with them 'cause won't be seeing them at camp. It was awesome.

I see you've decided to shave off the mullet?

Yeah. Shaved 'er all off. There's just too much work that goes into that mullet before warmups, before the game, in the morning – you gotta shower all the time.

With Vladimir Tarasenko being added at right wing this summer, we've heard that you volunteered to play left wing. Is that true?

Yeah, I've been watching a lot of his clips over the last three years, just in case I play with him. And I noticed he was playing the right side. So I just kind of mentioned it to DJ (Smith). I wanted to see where his head was at as far as lines going into camp. 

But, I'm sure it will change and he'll try a few different things. So I said I'm open to playing the left wing. I played it at the world championships and really enjoyed it. So I'm happy anywhere.

Did you know any of the new guys coming in?

Yeah, I've actually known Zack MacEwen since I was about 17. We played Junior A against each other. Whenever we play against each other, it's just kind of that Maritime connection. Whenever we see another maritimer, you just kind of shoot the (breeze).

And he's actually really good buddies with one of my best buddies from my hometown. So we kind of got that connection too. And we've been talking a lot this summer. And as far as the other guys, I just kind of messaged them when they signed with us. Just, ‘Welcome to the team.’ But I would say I talk most to Zack just because we've known each other for a few years now.

I'm guessing you'll be affected by the absence of some guys this year. Is there anybody in particular that you were close with or sad to see leaving here this year?

Yeah, I was pretty close with everyone that's leaving, I think me and DeBrincat had a really close relationship. I don't think we missed a dinner together on the road all season long and hung out all the time at home. I actually babysat his kid once. I don’t know why he trusts me to do that [laughing]. So me and DeBrincat were really close. So obviously miss him and, you know, I wish nothing but the best for the other guys moving on as well.

You keep track of what's going on in the NHL, you're on top of things. Any comment on what's going on in your own division?

I mean, you look at all the teams, really, they're all super skilled and some teams are older teams who have a lot of experience and some teams are young and hungry. So it's gonna be a good mix, I think. 

It’s not easy to make the playoffs and our division is pretty loaded so it's gonna be a battle every night and I think we’re ready for it.