The Ottawa Senators have made a significant move in securing their future by signing defenseman Jake Sanderson to an eight-year contract worth $8.05 million annually. This deal adds to the list of young cornerstones the Senators have locked up on long-term contracts. Sanderson, named to the NHL All-Rookie team in June, showcased his potential in his rookie season and proved to be a reliable player for the team. This article will delve into the implications of this signing and its significance for the Senators’ bright future.
A Promising Young Talent
At just 21 years old, Jake Sanderson has already made a considerable impact on the Senators’ lineup. As the fifth pick of the 2020 NHL draft, he left the University of North Dakota after his sophomore season and seamlessly transitioned into the NHL. In his rookie campaign, Sanderson demonstrated consistency and versatility on the ice, finishing with four goals and 32 points in 77 games. His average ice time of 21:55 per contest ranked second on the team, trailing only alternate captain Thomas Chabot.
Impact in All Situations
Sanderson’s contributions were not limited to a specific role or situation. He excelled in various areas, emphasizing his value to the Senators. Notably, he led the team in short-handed ice time, spending 252:36 minutes on the penalty kill, according to Natural Stat Trick. Additionally, he ranked second on the team in 5-on-5 minutes and power-play ice time among defensemen, behind Thomas Chabot.
The Senators’ decision to sign Sanderson to an eight-year deal aligns with a trend in the NHL, where teams are increasingly committing to their young defensemen for the long term. This strategy allows franchises to build a solid foundation and potentially replicate the success of teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning, who flourished after investing in homegrown talent.
A Bright Future: Stockpiling Talent
The Senators have recognized the importance of drafting and developing young players. Through the draft, they have acquired promising talents such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Shane Pinto, Jacob Bernard-Docker, and, of course, Jake Sanderson. In addition to their homegrown prospects, they have supplemented their core through astute trades, bringing in key players like Jakob Chychrun, Josh Norris, and Erik Brannstrom.
Setting the Stage for Success
By signing Sanderson to a long-term contract, the Senators have taken another step towards securing a bright future. The organization has shown a commitment to building a winning team and creating a foundation of talented players. This comes at a pivotal moment for the Senators, who used the 2022 offseason to sign Claude Giroux and made significant strides in their ambition to end their playoff drought.
Injuries and inconsistencies hindered the Senators’ playoff aspirations last season, as they fell just six points short of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. However, recent acquisitions, including Joonas Korpisalo, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Dominik Kubalik, have raised expectations within the organization. The Senators now have a formidable roster, capable of challenging for a playoff spot in what promises to be a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
The Ottawa Senators’ signing of Jake Sanderson to a long-term contract is a bold move that speaks to the team’s ambition and vision for the future. By locking up their talented young defenseman, the Senators have taken a significant step towards building a successful and competitive team. With a roster filled with promising homegrown talent and key acquisitions, the Senators are poised to make their mark in the demanding Eastern Conference. The future looks bright for the Ottawa Senators.
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