The Ottawa Senators locked up a key member of their young core Wednesday evening, signing defenseman Jake Sanderson to an eight-year, $64.4 million contract extension.
Sanderson's new deal includes a 10-team no-trade clause during the final three seasons of his contract. @FullPressNHL https://t.co/xVrvgRTZbT
— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) September 7, 2023
Sanderson who’ll be 22 years old when the deal kickstarts in 2024-25, will earn $8.05M in each of the contracts’ eight seasons. It includes a 10-team no-trade clause in its final three campaigns.
Fresh off a sixth-place finish in Calder Trophy balloting and to the All-Rookie Team, Sanderson will become the fourth Senators’ player earning $8M or more per season. Forward Josh Norris sits just below at $7.95M.
The good news for Senators’ fans is their so-called “core” group will be together for several years on what can only be termed as friendly deals.
Forwards
Brady Tkachuk signed through 2027-28, cap hit $8.2M.
Tim Stützle signed through 2030-31, cap hit $8.35M.
Josh Norris signed through 2029-30, cap hit $7.95M
Drake Batherson signed through 2026-27, cap hit $4.975M
Defenseman
Thomas Chabot signed through 2027-28, cap hit $8M.
And now Sanderson, with Jakob Chychrun to possibly follow after the 2024-25 season when his current contract expires.
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Senators General Manager Pierre Dorion said in a media release, “Jake’s transition to the pro game has been flawless. He’s a very mature young man who demonstrates a routine and skillful ability to play important minutes with poise. An effortless skater who holds himself to a high standard, he has the talent to be one of the best all-around defencemen in the NHL for years to come. We’re very pleased to have another significant member of our core group of players under long-term contract.”
Registering four goals and 28 assists in 77 games, averaging 21:55 time on ice in those games, the Senators’ 2020 fifth-overall selection was steady, if not spectacular all last season. The Whitefish, MT resident’s game rose to another level down the final stretch when Chabot, Chychrun and his d-partner for the majority of 2022-23, Travis Hamonic were all out due to injuries.
Sanderson played more than 24 minutes per game in 10 of his club’s final 12 outings – skating over in 29 minutes in a pair of games plus a whopping career-high 30:34 in one.
The six-two, 185-pound blueliner led all rookies totalling 252:33 on the penalty kill, which also slotted him third league-wide in PK time.
Jake Sanderson drew the praises from teammates during his freshman NHL campaign.
After a win in November, goalie Anton Forsberg said of Sanderson, “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.”