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The Ottawa Senators have become quite predictable under the stewardship of general manager Pierre Dorion. If they have the opportunity to extend one of their young stars ahead of time, they move quickly and take it decisively – as proven by their eight-year extension with sophomore defender Jake Sanderson.
Sanderson, who was selected fifth overall three seasons back, enjoyed a standout rookie turn last term, logging 32 points (four goals, 28 assists) en route to being named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team and securing a top-four spot on the blueline in Ottawa.
The American, who still has one season left on his entry-left contract, will earn a smudge over $8 million per year on his new deal, vaulting him towards the top of the franchise’s earnings chart at the very start of his professional career.
The Senators’ new pact with Sanderson raises a whole host of questions, covering the cost-effectiveness of the deal to its broader implications for the salary cap environment. With that, let’s discuss.
Have the Ottawa Senators risked it all on Jake Sanderson’s contract extension?
In a word, no.
The 21-year-old is an elite-level prospect, with the best years of his career ahead of him. He was a standout performer for the Senators last season, despite it being his rookie year, and quickly leapt up the depth chart to become the team’s top penalty-killer in minutes played.
Sanderson, in addition to his defensive smarts, is an excellent puck-mover who has the potential to surpass Thomas Chabot and Jakob Chychrun as the powerplay quarterback in Ottawa.
The Senators selected the 6-foot-2 skater fifth overall because they believed he could become their No. 1 defenceman. This contract extension proves that Dorion still views him in the same light and is comfortable enough in his forecast to price in the risk that regression or injury could strike in the future.
“He’s a very mature young man who demonstrates a routine and skilful ability to play important minutes with poise,” Dorion said of Sanderson’s extennsion.
“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.”
How does Jake Sanderson’s new contract compare to other young defenders in the NHL?
The closest comparable for Sanderson’s contract is Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars, who inked an eight-year deal with an $8.45 million annual average value (AAV) in 2021.
The Senators are betting on the fact that the Whitefish-born defender will follow a similar developmental path to Heiskanen, who signed his deal after a 27-point, 55-game campaign.
The Finn bloomed in the second year of his extension, potting 73 points (11 goals, 62 assists) in 79 appearances for Dallas last season.
Could Sanderson produce similar offensive and defensive results three seasons from now? It’s certainly possible, especially if the Senators are genuine Stanley Cup contenders by then.
With that in mind, this contract feels like it could quickly become a steal for Ottawa.
What does this deal mean for the Ottawa Senators’ cap flexibility and league-wide salary expectations?
Dorion should be credited for his impressive salary cap management at the Canadian Tire Centre.
With Sanderson now committed to the franchise into the next decade, the Senators’ under-pressure general manager has locked his star players in for the long haul.
Tim Stützle is about to start the first season of his eight-year contract, while captain Brady Tkachuk has five years left on his current deal. Josh Norris and Chabot are also signed to team-friendly arrangements.
While the Senators still need to carve out some space for Shane Pinto’s next contract, they remain in a pretty strong position in the context of a rising salary cap.
Looking further afield, Sanderson’s new deal will likely have ramifications for other high-potential defenders like Owen Power (Buffalo Sabres) and Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings).
Power and Seider will both require new contracts after this season and now find themselves under pressure to accept similarly team-friendly terms.
What do you make of Jake Sanderson’s extension? Join the conversation in the comments. Sanderson extension
