The Ottawa Senators have been dealt an untimely blow just weeks before the new NHL season begins. Forward Drake Batherson, one of the team’s most consistent performers, will miss the next two weeks with an upper-body injury sustained in practice. While the team is optimistic about his return for the season opener on October 9 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the absence creates early concerns for Ottawa’s preseason depth.
Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson ruled out two weeks with upper-body injury ahead of NHL season opener
Batherson’s injury was confirmed after he left Tuesday’s practice early, with head coach Travis Green revealing that the forward had “pulled something,” though the exact cause remained unclear. The timeline suggests Batherson will not appear in any more preseason games. However, the Senators are hopeful he can return in time for opening night. Batherson, 27, hasn’t missed a single game since the 2021-22 season, underlining his importance to Ottawa’s lineup.The loss comes on the heels of Batherson’s strongest campaign in 2024-25, when he registered career highs in assists (42) and points (68), along with 26 goals. His contributions were vital in helping the Senators snap an eight-year playoff drought before bowing out in the first round to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Entering the fifth year of a six-year contract carrying a $4.975 million cap hit, Batherson remains a cornerstone of the Sens’ offense.
Ottawa Senators’ growing list of preseason injury concerns ahead of NHL season
The Senators’ injury list has been steadily growing throughout training camp. Defenseman Tyler Kleven suffered a setback after crashing into the end boards in a game against the Maple Leafs, while blueliner Nick Jensen and veteran Lars Eller both started camp on the sidelines before gradually returning to the ice. Batherson’s absence adds to the uncertainty as Ottawa attempts to build momentum heading into the regular season.Despite the injury, Batherson had already made his presence felt this preseason. In a heated matchup against Toronto, he dropped the gloves with Leafs defenseman Marshall Rifai to stand up for teammate Ridly Greig after a questionable hit, further cementing his role as both a scorer and a leader.While the Senators remain optimistic that Drake Batherson will be ready for the Oct. 9 opener, his absence highlights the fragile nature of preseason preparations. With several players battling injuries, Ottawa must rely on its depth to weather this stretch. For a team eager to build on last year’s playoff return, keeping key contributors healthy will be critical.Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: New Jersey Devils’ Luke Hughes holdout continues as preseason begins
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