Game Hub 17: Ottawa Senators vs Dallas Stars

Trade Rumors and Management Response

Last summer, discussions surfaced about a potential trade between the Ottawa Senators and the Dallas Stars involving Drake Batherson and Jason Robertson. The speculation ended quickly when Steve Staios and owner Michael Andlauer dismissed the idea, firmly stating that Batherson was not available for trade.

“Internal growth” was Staios’s slogan for the Sens this summer, and Batherson has delivered on that promise.

Andlauer’s tone left no doubt that he disliked the circulating rumors. Observers offered two interpretations: either the trade talk was entirely false and the team values Batherson as a central piece of its future, or the leak of internal negotiations frustrated management.

Performance and Current Role

Today, Batherson remains with the Senators, and as many say, some of the best trades are the ones that never happen. He currently outperforms Robertson, recording two more goals despite playing three fewer games. The original idea behind pursuing Robertson was to add a top-six winger capable of boosting the team’s scoring, but Batherson’s recent play has made that move unnecessary.

Step Up After Tkachuk’s Injury

With Brady Tkachuk sidelined, Batherson has taken over a first-line role next to Tim Stützle. The pair have built strong chemistry, with Batherson consistently generating scoring chances and contributing key points for the Sens.

Author’s summary: Batherson has validated Ottawa’s decision to keep him, stepping up as a core contributor and proving that patience with internal talent can pay off.

Silver Seven — 2025-11-11