Perhaps the person most relieved to see Jake Sanderson back on the ice at the Buffalo Prospects Showcase last month was Jake Sanderson himself.
Two hand surgeries in five months and a bout with COVID-19 protocols put a damper on an otherwise fantastic campaign for Sanderson. He signed his NHL entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators in late March – had he stayed healthy, he undoubtedly would have slotted into the lineup to close out the season.
His dominant play against Boston at the prospects showcase – and his subsequent pre-season action thus far – have left little doubt that he’s ready to go at full speed this season.
Sanderson said he was nervous, and how couldn’t he be after seven months away? But ask any scout which players stood out the most that day at the Showcase, and they’d point to young American blueliner.
As we near the regular season, Sanderson is set to be a big part of Ottawa’s resurgence into becoming a competitive outfit once again. Management believes it, his teammates know it, and Sanderson thinks he’s ready to go.
So, Sens Sickos, get on the Sanderson hype train – if you somehow weren’t already.
Sanderson has taken his game to a new level with each passing season. He was a budding star with the Edge prep school program before joining the USNTDP in 2018-19. Sanderson served as captain both years there, earning the coveted USA Hockey junior player of the year title in 2020. He helped North Dakota become NCHC champions in the NCAA and won gold with USA at the world juniors. Sanderson had more than a point per game in 23 NCAA games last year and was also named to USA’s Olympic roster.
But missed time is missed time, no matter how good of a prospect you are. At the rookie tournament, Sanderson said getting back into the game’s tempo was the toughest thing for him. He said the biggest thing entering training camp was getting back to his game and showing he can play top-four minutes.
Ottawa’s biggest long-term strength is up front. Led by veterans Brady Tkachuk, Alex DeBrincat, and Claude Giroux, and youngsters Josh Norris, Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson and Shane Pinto, Ottawa’s offensive group has a new-and-improved look for 2022-23.
But defensively, there’s a lot to be desired behind Thomas Chabot. And that’s where Sanderson comes in.
“I’m feeling pretty confident with the group we have (on the blueline),” Sanderson said. “I want to be the rock on the back end, the first guy over the bench when we’re down a goal or up a goal. I don’t feel extra pressure, I’m confident with the other defensemen we have too.”
Sanderson, who just recently turned 20, is a tremendous skater that seems to thrive under pressure. He does an excellent job of evading forecheckers and his quick acceleration allows him to get out of trouble. In fact, Sanderson already looks like a seasoned NHL veteran based on his preseason action alone.
Sanderson recorded his first point of the exhibition slate on Oct. 1 against Montreal, a power-play assist. Senators coach D.J. Smith hasn’t been afraid to deploy him against other quality talent and throw him to the wolves early. That type of confidence can go a long way, especially for a young team that doesn’t have high expectations yet.
“He thinks the game like a veteran NHLer,” one scout said. “Brainfarts are rare. He knows where his teammates are going to be. He can run the power play. He’s exactly what Ottawa needs.”
Sanderson likes what GM Pierre Dorion did this summer to bulk up the lineup – especially as a young player coming in looking for a challenge. While the defensive core wasn’t touched much, Sanderson is keen on what this group can do.
“Pierre made some really good moves, and I think everyone on the team is super excited about that,” Sanderson said. “I know seeing Claude Giroux and DeBrincat come, those are some pretty big names. Just seeing them every day in the dressing room is pretty surreal.”
Depending on the fan, “success” can mean many things for the Ottawa Senators this season. Is it an improvement in the standings? A wild-card playoff spot? Something more? Again, it depends on who you ask. But if the young core can thrive – or at least make mistakes without punishment – that’ll be a true sign of victory.
The future is bright for Ottawa, and Sanderson will be a catalyst moving forward.
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