*Photo from Sportsnet*
One of the young kids has his future secured for a while. The Ottawa Senators and defenseman Jake Sanderson have agreed to an 8 year, $64.4 million contract extension, according to an announcement by the team on Wednesday.
Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion said of the extension that "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 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."
For the 2023-2024 season, Sanderson will play out the last year of his current contract. That contract has a $925,000 cap hit and includes a $92,500 signing bonus and $1.85 million in performance bonuses. Sanderson was a pending RFA next summer.
Last season was Sanderson's first in the NHL with the Senators. He put together strong numbers, scoring 4 goals with 28 assists for 32 points. He posted a -6 rating with 12 penalty minutes while averaging 21:55 of ice time in 77 games for the Senators, who missed the playoffs.
That performance led to the big extension for Sanderson. Taking effect when the 2024-2025 season begins, Sanderson's extension carries a $8.05 million AAV, with no signing or performance bonuses included. Beginning in 2029-2030 and running through the end of the contract, Sanderson has a modified no trade clause in the form of a 10 team no trade list.
Sanderson said of his extension that "You see the core group of the guys signing here long term, so I wanted to be a part of that. You see the chemistry in the locker room, it's something that will be here for a while. We're going to win in the next couple of years. We know that and I want to be here for it. It fires me up. I have nothing but the upmost respect for Pierre Dorion and all the coaching staff. They've treated me great since they drafted me. That's all I can ask for."
With 21:55 of average ice time, Sanderson ranked second on the Senators in ice time, trailing only Thomas Chabot. He was named to last season's All Rookie team and finished in 6th place in voting for the Calder Trophy.
When Sanderson's contract kicks in, he'll become the 3rd highest paid player on the Senators, trailing only Tim Stutzle and team captain Brady Tkachuk. His 28 assists and 32 points last season put him in 3rd in team history among rookie defensemen.
Among all NHL rookies last season, Sanderson finished in second in total ice time, average ice time, power play assists, and power play points. He also finished in 5th place in shots on goal and 4th place in assists among rookies.
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