SENSNEWS

Jake Sanderson has been one of the most important players for the Ottawa Senators since stepping onto the ice for his rookie season in 2022–23.

Jake Sanderson Is On The Verge Of Superstardom

He now holds the responsibility of being the Senators’ number one defenceman. He’s also grown his game to the point where he’s the first player over the boards in all situations—whether that’s the power play, penalty kill, or even strength.

Fans of the Senators have long recognized Sanderson as one of the best defenders in the league. But this year, it seems the rest of the NHL has finally woken up to his dominance.

Jake Sanderson’s International Performance

The NHL’s Four Nations Faceoff served as Sanderson’s official coming-out party. He was Team USA’s seventh defenceman, but due to an injury to Charlie McAvoy, Sanderson stepped into the lineup.

In two games with Team USA, he scored one goal—which came in the final against Team Canada. He also proved more than capable of keeping up with and defending against some of the very best players in the world.

Jake Sanderson Statistics

Following the end of the tournament, Sanderson went on an absolute tear offensively with the Ottawa Senators. He finished the regular season with 22 points in his final 25 games.

From there, Sanderson continued his strong play as the Senators’ number one defenceman in the postseason. His overtime winner in Game 4 will likely be remembered as the highlight of the entire 2024–25 season for the Senators.

Capping off his year statistically, Jake Sanderson finished the season with 11 goals and 46 assists for 57 points in 80 games. He also added a goal and two assists in six playoff games.

Jake Sanderson Norris Trophy Candidacy

His elite level of play earned him recognition in the Norris Trophy race, where he finished 10th in voting—a result that arguably undersells how impactful he truly was.

As has been the case in each of Sanderson’s first three NHL seasons, his results have steadily progressed. He set career highs across the board offensively this season and looked far more dynamic in the offensive zone.

The foundation of Sanderson’s game is built on elite defensive ability. But as we’ve now seen, he also has the capability to put up not just good, but elite offensive numbers as well.

Projecting Jake Sanderson’s 2025-2026 Season

Now, as we look ahead to the 2025–26 season, Jake Sanderson has the potential to fully break through and prove to fans across the league that he is a bona fide top-7 or top-8 defenceman in the NHL.

As mentioned, his offensive production has steadily improved throughout his NHL career. That trend continued this past season, and more specifically, it accelerated in the second half.

In the first 40 games of the season, Sanderson recorded two goals and 20 assists for 22 points. Not bad production. But in the final 40 games, he tallied nine goals and 26 assists for 35 points.

Over a full season, that point pace would equate to 72 points in 82 games—statistics that would force Sanderson into the highest tier of NHL defencemen, especially if his defensive play remains elite.

These are lofty expectations, but Sanderson certainly has the talent to meet them. One factor that could help is if the Senators can generate more offence at five-on-five this season.

That was an area of weakness last season, but it should improve with the additions of Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund. Additionally, the team will be hoping for continued internal growth.

Jake Sanderson Ready To Grow With Senators

Despite the Senators being one of the most defensively minded teams in the NHL last season, Sanderson still managed to break out in a big way.

We saw the effect that Travis Green’s system had on individual numbers, with many players taking a step back offensively compared to previous years.

However it is important to note, these step backs translated to greater team success. The ultimate goal for the organization.

Jake Sanderson 2026 Olympics

With the Olympics coming up this season, Sanderson feels like a near lock to make Team USA. We saw how impactful he was at the Four Nations Faceoff—and now he’s one year older, stronger, and more experienced.

It will be another major stage for Sanderson to shine on, and just like this past season, it will serve as another high-pressure environment that should help prepare him for future playoff battles with Ottawa.

For all of these reasons, Jake Sanderson appears to be on the verge of yet another breakout campaign with the Senators.

Sens fans already know that Sanderson is one of the best defencemen in the NHL—but now, the rest of the league is about to find out.