Senators’ Jake Sanderson Giving Fans “A Glimpse Into The Future”

Only 16 NHL games into his burgeoning professional career, Senators’ defenseman Jake Sanderson is patrolling the Ottawa blue line like a grizzled veteran.

It’s to no one’s surprise, Sanderson is performing well. But the current level he’s playing at is certainly exceeding expectations at this early juncture of his rookie campaign. Especially, considering Sanderson has played in a total of 54 games over two years due to one covid-shortened season and a 2021-22 season which saw him in and out of the University of North Dakota lineup due to injuries; in addition to suffering another in the one game he appeared in at the Winter Olympics.

Upon returning to UND post-Olympics, Sanderson sustained a skate cut to his left hand which required surgery. He then re-injured that same hand during the off-season while working out – requiring a second surgery. To say he’s fully recovered is an understatement.

The 20-year-old is a thinker of the game, appearing to be one step ahead at all times – a trait reserved for high-impact players of which the club’s 2020 fifth overall Entry Draft selection may very well in join in due time.

Senator’s goalie Anton Forsberg who has a bird’s eye view of Sanderson’s play is quite complimentary of his young defender.

“I mean, he’s unbelievable. His poise with the puck is great. He’s a good skater. He always skates well when he has the puck. He does a lot of good reads. He blocked a shot in the last minute too. He’s got great hockey sense.”

Heading into Friday’s action, Sanderson ranks third among first-year NHLers in time-on-ice (20:31) behind only Owen Power (Sabres) 23:53 and Kaiden Guhle (Canadiens) 20:45. However, that number is steadily increasing due to the team’s number one rearguard and minute-muncher Thomas Chabot being due to a concussion.

The Whitefish, MT native has consecutive games of 24:55 and 25:13 skating in all situations – including 4:46 of the power play time and 6:46 on the penalty kill Wednesday in a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo. During that game, Sanderson also registered two assists, four shots on goal, blocking five shots – one in the final minute to help preserve the Senators’ lead.

Senators’ head coach D.J. Smith noted with Chabot out, fans are viewing “a glimpse into the future of him playing against everyone’s top lines. And with the game on the line, he’s blocking shots, giving second effort.”

When asked if he’s enjoying his increased playing time, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound d-man was his low-key self, praising d-partner Travis Hamonic.

“Yeah, I think so. I’m grateful with the playing time I have, so I tried to make the most of it. It was really nice having  “Hammer” on my right side with me, so he’s a huge help.”

And Sanderson is enjoying every moment of it.

“Just bringing it every night knowing you’re going to play against their best guys, so I’m just being mentally dialed in. And you know, like I said, having a veteran guy on my right side to kind of guide through those tough times.”

Posting nine points, along with Senators’ teammate Shane Pinto and Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers, Sanderson currently sits in a three-way tie for second in rookie scoring one point behind Arizona Coyotes Matias Maccelli.

Sanderson’s nine assists tie him with Maccelli for tops in that category.

With a solid bumper crop of rookies, including the aforementioned, Pinto, Beniers, Maccelli, Golden Knights netminder Logan Thompson and others, less than one-quarter into the 2022-23 season Sanderson is putting the league on notice he’ll be a front-runner in the Calder Trophy competition for NHL Rookie of the Year.