The Ottawa Senators have taken a significant step towards securing their future by signing defenseman Jake Sanderson to an eight-year contract worth $8.05 million per year. This long-term deal solidifies Sanderson’s position as a cornerstone of the team and demonstrates the Senators’ commitment to building a successful franchise.
A Promising Rookie Campaign for Jake Sanderson
Jake Sanderson, who was named to the NHL All-Rookie team in June, proved his worth during his rookie season with the Senators. The 21-year-old defenseman, drafted fifth overall in the 2020 NHL draft, showcased his talent by contributing four goals and 32 points in 77 games. Sanderson’s impressive performance earned him the trust of the coaching staff, as he consistently delivered in various game situations.
Sanderson’s impact extended beyond his offensive contributions. He led the team in short-handed ice time, demonstrating his defensive prowess and versatility. Additionally, he ranked second in 5-on-5 minutes and power-play ice time among the team’s defensemen. Sanderson’s ability to excel in different game scenarios highlights his all-around skills, making him a valuable asset for the Senators.
Following the Path to Success
By signing Sanderson to an eight-year contract, the Senators join a growing trend in the NHL, where teams invest in young defensemen for the long term. Franchises like the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning have successfully built their rosters through the draft, and more teams are recognizing the value of this approach. The Senators aim to follow in their footsteps and establish a winning team through a combination of drafting and player development.
The Senators have made significant strides in building a talented roster through the draft. Players such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, Shane Pinto, Jacob Bernard-Docker, Thomas Chabot, and now Jake Sanderson have all been carefully selected and developed by the organization. This young core provides a solid foundation for the team’s future success.
Supplementing the Young Core
In addition to drafting promising players, the Senators have also made shrewd trades to supplement their young talent. Acquiring Jakob Chychrun, Josh Norris, and Erik Brannstrom through trades has further bolstered their roster. This balanced approach of both drafting and trading has allowed the Senators to assemble a competitive team.
Securing Key Players for the Future
The Senators have taken proactive measures to secure their key players with long-term contracts. Batherson, Chabot, Norris, Tkachuk, and now Sanderson have all committed to extended deals, indicating their belief in the team’s future. This stability and continuity within the roster will prove invaluable as the Senators strive to achieve success on the ice.
A Season with High Expectations
With their promising roster and recent acquisitions, the Senators enter the upcoming season with high expectations. After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, the team made important moves in the offseason to strengthen their chances of securing a postseason spot. The signings of Joonas Korpisalo, Vladimir Tarasenko, and the addition of Dominik Kubalik in a trade demonstrate the Senators’ ambition to compete in the highly demanding Eastern Conference.
The Ottawa Senators’ decision to sign Jake Sanderson to a long-term contract underscores their commitment to building a bright future. By investing in young talent through the draft and supplementing their roster with strategic trades, the Senators have positioned themselves for success. With key players locked in on long-term contracts and a strengthened lineup, the Senators have set their sights on achieving playoff success and establishing themselves as a competitive force in the NHL.
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