Sens Nation - Your Ottawa Senators Podcast

Drake Batherson joins us for a wide-ranging conversation just days after signing his new eight-year contract extension with the Senators.
Batherson explains why he never seriously doubted a deal would get done, how much it means to know he can focus entirely on hockey, and what it was like to receive roughly 250 congratulatory texts after the news became official. He also talks about calling his parents, celebrating with his teammates, and temporarily moving in with Jake Sanderson and Stephen Halliday while waiting to get the keys to his new home.
We also ask Batherson about two major departures from Ottawa. He shares his reaction to Brady Tkachuk’s trade, explains why he understands his longtime teammate’s decision and reflects on their friendship. Batherson also discusses Daniel Alfredsson’s move to Toronto and offers some fascinating insight into what made Alfie such an effective teacher, communicator and mentor.
Other topics include Batherson’s early chemistry with Tim Stützle and Andre Burakovsky, his first impressions of Jaxon Cover, the arrival of Ben Hutton on a professional tryout and whether Stützle or Sanderson is the fastest Senator.
After the interview, we break down the biggest stories from the opening days of training camp. Can Batherson reach 40 goals? Will William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund’s friendship translate into on-ice chemistry? Is Ottawa’s projected top six strong enough to replace the offence lost in the Tkachuk trade?
We also discuss Carter Yakemchuk’s costly scrimmage turnover, the injury concerns surrounding Artem Zub and Warren Foegele, and whether Hutton can earn a contract as a veteran insurance option on defence.
Plus, Steve learns that he may be too bald to break down hockey plays on social media.
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Drake Batherson is staying in Ottawa for the long haul. Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy break down Batherson’s eight-year, $82-million contract extension, including the timing, trade protection and why his commitment matters after a turbulent summer for the Senators.
Also discussed: Batherson’s new deal: Is $10.25 million per season a fair price, and could the contract eventually become a bargain?
The NHL’s salary explosion: How offer sheets, a rising cap and massive young-player contracts could affect Thomas Chabot, Artem Zub and other Senators.
An unusually short training camp: With few roster openings and limited preseason action, do Ottawa’s bubble players have any real opportunity?
The end of fitness testing: Why the NHL’s new training-camp rules have left some coaches concerned.
Ottawa’s prospects shine: Jaxon Cover’s seven-point weekend headlines an impressive showing that also included Kasper Halttunen, Christian Kyrou and others.
Goaltending questions: Cam Talbot lands in Columbus, while Ottawa must decide whether to begin the season with Linus Ullmark, Samuel Ersson and Leevi Meriläinen.The Sens Nation Podcast is presented by Jim Keay Ford, with support from Midas Ottawa and Harding Home Comfort.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnationVisit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show: https://sensnationhockey.com🎙️ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.comDon't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnationVisit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the next show:https://sensnationhockey.com

Brady Tkachuk responds to criticisms he's heard that he checked out during his last season and a half in Ottawa. Steve and Gregg also discuss Tim Stützle’s response to Brad Marchand, Thomas Chabot’s captaincy chances and how Chris Kreider could have nicely filled Ottawa’s need for another top-six winger (he signed with MTL after recording time).Plus, an update on Jonas Lagerberg Hoen’s injury, the most intriguing names at Senators rookie camp, Carter Yakemchuk’s absence and why Gavin McKenna won’t face Ottawa at the Prospect Challenge in Gatineau.The Sens Nation Podcast is presented by Jim Keay Ford, with support from Midas Ottawa and Harding Home Comfort.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:  / sensnation  Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show: https://sensnationhockey.com🎙️ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.comDon't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:  / sensnation  Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the next show:https://sensnationhockey.com

Travis Green believes his club has “more than enough team toughness,” but Steve and Gregg debate whether that's true and whether they need a legitimate heavyweight in the everyday lineup.Also on the show: Brad Marchand mocks Tim Stützle’s captaincy credentials; the Senators plan a tribute video for Brady Tkachuk’s return; They're not huge fans of the Sens' new “The Hill We Choose” slogan; Jaxon Cover gets an intriguing audition at centre; expectations for Gavin McKenna’s rookie season in Toronto; what Zeev Buium’s massive extension could mean for future contracts involving Artem Zub and Thomas Chabot; and potential changes to Sportsnet’s hockey panel.The Sens Nation Podcast is presented by Jim Keay Ford, with support from Midas Ottawa and Harding Home Comfort.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:  / sensnation  Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show: https://sensnationhockey.com🎙️ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS🚗 Jim Keay FordOur favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort CentreHeating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.comDon't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATIONSupport the show on Patreon:  / sensnation  Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show:https://sensnationhockey.com

September is here, and that means the return of Sens hockey. Will Drake Batherson get an eight-year extension before the September 15 deadline?
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss whether letting the deadline pass would really be cause for concern. Should the Sens lock him up now or later? Or is there a chance that one side is thinking about other possibilities?
With training camp approaching, we also discuss:
• Is the Senators’ opening-night roster already set, with players mostly competing for roles?
• Why Jake Sanderson makes sense as Ottawa’s next captain, and what should matter when choosing a leader.
• NHL player power: for star players, has a no-movement clause basically become an out clause?
• Could Tyler Kleven eventually challenge for a spot in the top four?
• Ottawa’s September calendar, the prospects challenge in Gatineau, and physical defenceman Gabriel Eliasson.
What do you think will happen with Batherson, and does it line up with what you want to happen? Let us know in the comments.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Jim Keay Ford Sens Nation Podcast!
🏒 SUPPORT SENS NATION
Support the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/sensnation
Visit our show website, Sens Nation Hockey, where you can leave a voicemail with your Senators comment to be played back on the show:https://sensnationhockey.com
🎙️ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
🚗 Jim Keay Ford
Our favourite Ottawa Ford dealership at 1438 Youville Drive in Orléans. https://www.jimkeayford.com
🔧 Midas OttawaFor tires, brakes, oil changes, exhaust and more. https://www.midas.com
🏠 Harding — Your Home Comfort Centre
Heating, cooling, fireplaces, BBQ and home comfort solutions in Ottawa.https://teamhardingcomfort.com