The Ottawa Senators didn’t think too much about using the opportunity to lock their talented defenseman Jake Sanderson to a long-term contract. The team announced on Thursday that Sanderson inked a new eight-year extension that will keep him with the franchise through the 2031-32 NHL season.
The deal is worth $64.4 million and comes with an average annual salary of $8.05 million. It also give Sanderson a 10-team no-trade clause that will come in effect during the last three seasons of the agreement.
Sanderson made his NHL debut in the 2022-23 season, playing 77 games and contributing with four goals and 28 assists. He was selected to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team at the end of the campaign.
“He’s a very mature young man who demonstrates a routine and skillful ability to play important minutes with poise,” said. “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.”
The Senators didn’t need to address Sanderson’s contract before next offseason but probably decided to do so in order to get themselves a team-friendly deal. Considering how Sanderson played last season, the expectations are that he will continue to develop and outperform his contract down the line.
It was also an easy decision for Sanderson. He received a deal that pays him above market price for his position and gives him long-term security.
