You can follow me on Twitter @ShackTS

Coming into the season, I thought people were being way too optimistic and pushy with Drake Batherson's timeline in terms of when he could play in Ottawa. He was coming off of a fantastic final season in the QMJHL but didn't have much of a previous track record. Some thought he should make the opening night roster, but he clearly was going to need some time in Belleville to begin the year. I had always been cautiously optimistic with him, and he's surpassed my wildest expectations so far in the AHL.

Even though he has been tearing about the AHL, I thought a call-up wasn't going to happen for a few more weeks, but we don't have to wait any longer---The Drake has arrived:

The Sens have recalled Batherson.

— Steve Lloyd (@TSNSteveLloyd) November 12, 2018

If I had to change my prospect rankings right now, Batherson would definitely be higher on my list. Through 14 games in Belleville, he has 20 points and is tied for second (just one point back) in the entire league. Not only that, he's seven points up on the next best rookie so far. He might not keep up that torrid pace (if he ever gets sent back down), but when comparing to full season numbers, it shows that he is amongst rare company so far:

In the past 6 seasons, there have only been 9 AHLers 20 or under (Batherson's age) who have had at least a point per game in 30+ games. And Batherson's way over that mark at 1.43/game

He's in rare company right now w/ the kind of production he's putting up considering his age

— Trevor Shackles (@ShackTS) November 11, 2018

He was also unsurprisingly named the AHL player of the week after his six-point performance on Friday. So all in all, things are looking pretty good for Batherson right now. It remains to be seen what kind of linemates he will have and if he will have any sort of extended stay with the team. I hope he gets a legitimate chance to showcase his skill because there are some players on the roster that I know will have less of an impact than him.

I was not fond of him when the Senators drafted him as an over-ager who only had 58 points in 61 games in the QMJHL, but now I am all in on The Drake. He might not be noticeable right away, but considering how well he has played in Belleville, I'm confident that he has the tools to be an NHL player. I mean, just look at some of these plays in his highlight package, courtesy of my pal Sens Prospects:

Drake Batherson! 🚨

How bout that release? That's goal #4 and point #12 for the rookie. Balcers & Bergman with the helpers. pic.twitter.com/lkvJnL8GRP

— Sens Prospects (@SensProspects) October 31, 2018

Nice backdoor look by Drake Batherson leading to a PPG on Friday 🍎 Forgot to post this one. Nice to see him being used at the point on Belleville's PP - was effective there in the QMJHL. pic.twitter.com/M0ZcncTv92

— Sens Prospects (@SensProspects) October 29, 2018

Drake Batherson 👀 pic.twitter.com/EEiZPIgUkT

— Sens Prospects (@SensProspects) October 21, 2018

How could you not like the Drake??

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