What happened: Bruce Garrioch reports a significant gap remains in extension talks. Batherson is eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2026-27 season.
Why it matters: The new CBA lowers the maximum term for a player re-signing with his club from eight years to seven on Sept. 16. New York has surfaced as a speculative trade fit if negotiations stall.
By the numbers: Batherson set career highs with 33 goals and 71 points in 79 games in 2025-26, averaging 0.90 points per game.
What to watch: Training camp will show whether Batherson begins the season without a new deal.