NHL Rumors: Batherson Extension, Zadorov to Oilers, and Canadiens’ 2 Signings – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson are working against a deadline as they try to finalize a long-term extension, while new details have emerged about how close the Edmonton Oilers’ got to acquiring Nikita Zadorov. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens have rewarded Martin St. Louis with a multi-year extension and Chris Kreider talks his decision to sign with the Habs.

Senators, Batherson Working Toward Eight-Year Extension

The Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson’s camp are reportedly targeting an eight-year extension, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, but the two sides have until 11:59 p.m. ET Tuesday to make it happen. That’s because the NHL’s new CBA eliminates eight-year contracts moving forward.

Pierre LeBrun notes that while eight years may be ideal, Batherson could be willing to consider a six- or seven-year deal depending on the annual salary. The bigger issue may be getting something done before the season begins, as Batherson reportedly does not want contract negotiations hanging over him during the year.

The 28-year-old is entering the final season of a six-year, $29.85 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

With Brady Tkachuk no longer in Ottawa, Batherson’s importance to the Senators’ offense has only increased. He has also spent years playing on a contract that now looks like a bargain, making an extension a priority for both sides.

An eight-year deal carrying an AAV in the $10–10.5 million range would represent a significant raise. Julian McKenzie suggested on the Sens Spotlight Podcast that Batherson’s next contract could land around the range of players such as Alex Tuch and Adrian Kempe, while noting Ottawa would be in good shape as long as the number doesn’t climb into the $12–14 million range.

Oilers’ Never Got Close to Landing Nikita Zadorov

The Edmonton Oilers ultimately found a way to move Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks, but there were rumors they’d talked to several potential destinations before the deal was completed. Boston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh were among the teams initially linked to Nurse (they were on his preferred list), with one report suggesting Edmonton and the Bruins had even discussed a deal involving Nikita Zadorov.

That possibility reportedly died when Zadorov declined to waive his no-trade clause. However, when asked about the reported trade Sunday, the Boston defenseman dismissed the story entirely. He hinted it never got that far.

“It’s not true. It was something from the imagination. You’ve been in hockey for a long time and that trade wouldn’t have made sense for anybody, especially for this team. That’s why everyone put it away right away…I have a contract here. I love it here and I enjoy playing with the guys and everything.”

source; “Key Bruins defenseman ready to dig in, keep being physical.” – Steve Conroy – Boston Herald – 09-12-2026

The Oilers ultimately moved Nurse’s contract while acquiring young defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp.

Canadiens Extend Martin St. Louis, Kreider Talks Decision

The Montreal Canadiens have made it clear they believe Martin St. Louis is the right coach to keep leading their team as they enter their Stanley Cup competitive phase. They announced Monday that he has signed a multi-year extension. Pierre LeBrun reports the deal runs through the 2029-30 season.

St. Louis took over in 2022 with no previous professional coaching experience and inherited a team beginning a significant rebuild. Since then, Montreal’s point total has climbed from 68 in 2022-23 to 76, 91 and eventually 106 last season. The Canadiens have also made the playoffs in consecutive seasons and reached the Eastern Conference Final in 2025-26. “Marty has done a terrific job leading our young team,” said GM Kent Hughes. “He is a great communicator and teacher. We look forward to his continued efforts to mold this group into a championship-caliber team.”

The latest add includes Chris Kreider, who signed a one-year deal this weekend. Montreal was pretty aggressive right out of the gate,” Kreider said when speaking to the media on Montreal on Monday. “Everything they’re doing here the last few years now, the group that they have. I tried explaining to my friends that this isn’t a sport here, it’s a religion.”