NHL Rumors: Batherson Talks, Red Wings Miss, Celebrini Sets New Record – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, how far apart do the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson remain on a new contract? If he doesn’t sign by September 15, could they trade him? Meanwhile, did the Detroit Red Wings have a deal in place to sign Anthony Mantha to a contract? Is this the second name in a couple of seasons that they missed out on? Finally, a Macklin Celebrini card sold for a record amount.

Senators and Batherson Remain Far Apart on New Deal

Drake Batherson and the Ottawa Senators aren’t close to a new contract, and time is running out if the Senators want to lock him into an eight-year extension. Things get more complicated as the Sept. 15 deadline to sign max extensions approaches.

Batherson, 28, is in the final year of a $4.975 million AAV deal and coming off a career-best 71-point season. GM Steve Staios says talks are ongoing and the sides want a deal done. According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

“Like Washington Capitals winger Alex Tuch and Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe, Batherson is believed to be seeking an eight-year deal. League executives believe the 28-year-old, coming off a career-best 33-goal, 71-point season, could command between $10 million and $11 million annually on the open market.”

source – ‘Gap remains between Batherson, Senators as Sept. 15 deadline looms large’ – Bruce Garrioch – Ottawa Sun – 08/17/2026

If Batherson and Ottawa haven’t reached an extension by Sept. 15, he’ll likely open the season without a new deal in hand. And should he reach unrestricted free agency next summer, plenty of cap-rich teams will be lined up to make a pitch.

Interestingly, things might not even get that far. Per Marco D’Amico on The Starr & D’Amico Show, the Montreal Canadiens could be interested in Batherson if the Senators are unable to sign him to a contract extension. 

Red Wings Were Going to Sign Anthony Mantha?

Things in Detroit appear to be getting worse. While not a huge star, the Red Wings could have signed a player that would have helped their depleted offense. One report suggests the franchise had a deal in place to sign unrestricted free agent Anthony Mantha. According to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press:

“On the day Yzerman’s removal was announced, assistant GM Shawn Horcoff had a deal in place with Anthony Mantha, but it fell through while [Chris] Ilitch deliberated.”

source – ‘Things are ‘chaotic at LCA’ as Red Wings GM search includes Tigers GM’ – Carlos Monarrez – Detroit Free Press – 08-14-2026

As people know by now, Mantha signed a two-year deal with the New Jersey Devils at a reasonable cap hit of $4.75 million per season. He posted 33 goals and 31 assists for 64 points in 81 games last season. Mantha was hoping to cash in on a big season and get term. He wanted a longer deal but couldn’t find one, so he settled for a couple of seasons instead. It is unclear how long a term the Red Wings were willing to give Mantha.

Interestingly, Monarrez also reported that the Red Wings were close to signing Steven Stamkos (obviously not this season). “According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Ilitch’s hesitation in approving big signings cost the Wings Steven Stamkos in 2024.”

Celebrini Card Sells for $1.28M

Macklin Celebrini’s one-of-one rookie card sold for $1.28 MILLION USD at auction on Sunday night. The card was originally pulled from a pack worth around $15 and it now holds the record for the highest public sale of any non-Wayne Gretzky hockey card.