NHL Rumors: Senators, Drake Batherson aren't close

The San Jose Sharks are close to re-signing Collin Graf, and talks with Will Smith continue

Curtis Pashelka: San Jose Sharks GM Mike Greir on Will Smith, who eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason, and Collin Graff who is a RFA.

“Continuing to have dialogue with (Smith and Collin Graf) and see where that goes. Smitty is definitely someone we’d like to lock up long-term as well. So we’ll see how it goes. But definitely, it’s part of the plan to hopefully get them locked up long-term. But if it doesn’t happen (with Smith), then we’ll be okay, and we’ll figure out as the season goes on and into next summer.”

Max Miller: Sharks GM Grier said that they are “pretty close” to getting Graf’s contract finalized.

Will Drake Batherson decide to test the open market next July 1st as the sides “aren’t close?”

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson is entering the final year of his deal that carries a $4.65 million salary cap hit. Some league executives believe he could get between $10 and $11 million on the open market.

The Senators and Batherson’s camp have held some talks, and sources say they believe that the sides “aren’t close.” Batherson wants to stay, and they want to keep him, but it won’t be easy to get a deal done.

A source said that Batherson could use Adrian Kempe‘s $10.625 million as a comp. The Senators have a history of not liking to hand out large amounts for bonuses and salary up front, which may lead Batherson to at least test the open market.

Senators GM Steve Staios would also like to extend defenseman Artem Zub, who will be a UFA after next season as well.

Zub’s agent, Dan Milstein, in an email: “We have not exchanged thoughts on contract at all. I would imagine we would speak about it in the coming weeks or in early fall.”