Jake Sanderson signed an eight-year, $64.4 million contract with the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. The contract, which has an average annual value of $8.05 million, will begin next season.
The 21-year-old defenseman had 32 points (four goals, 28 assists) in 77 games last season and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. Sanderson was selected by Ottawa with the No. 5 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Sanderson joins forwards Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk, and defenseman Thomas Chabot as those committed to the Senators at least through the 2027-28 season. His contract includes a 10-team no-trade clause, which will be applicable to the final three seasons.
“Jake’s transition to the pro game has been flawless,” Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion said. “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 defensemen 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.”
Sanderson’s 28 assists and 32 points last season each ranked third in Senators history by a rookie defenseman, behind only Andrej Meszaros (29 assists, 39 points in 2005-06) and Karel Rachunek (30 assists, 33 points in 2000-01). He was also second among all rookies in total time on ice (1,687:52), average time on ice (21:55), power-play assists (15) and power-play points (17), fourth in assists and fifth in shots on goal (132).
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