To watch him play, you wouldn’t know that Ottawa Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson is only two and a half seasons deep into his NHL career.
The 22-year-old plays the game with a veteran’s poise and continues to emerge as one of the game’s most complete defencemen. On any given night, whether it’s firewagon hockey, loaded with skill and offence, or a grinding, low-scoring defensive struggle, Sanderson is able to thrive no matter what his opponents have up their sleeve.
Sanderson represents the future of Ottawa’s blue line, still in year one of an eight-year contract worth $64.4 million. In a very lucrative 2020 NHL Draft, the Senators selected Sanderson fifth overall, three picks after taking star centre Tim Stützle.
But Sanderson’s career and life might look very different right now if he’d stuck with his childhood game plan.
“There was a point in time when I wanted to be a goalie, but both my parents didn’t let me,” Sanderson said. “So, thank God they didn’t.”
Sanderson played some forward as well, which only seemed natural since his father played that position for a long time in the NHL. Geoff Sanderson had a 1,104-game career in the NHL with Hartford, Carolina, Vancouver, Buffalo, and Columbus. He was fast and skilled, and you can easily see those hockey virtues were handed down from father to son.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO – NOVEMBER 07: Jake Sanderson #85 of the Ottawa Senators turns the puck up ice in the third period of the game against the New York Islanders at Canadian Tire Centre on November 07, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo by Troy Parla/Getty Images)
So why not follow in dad’s footsteps and play forward?
“At the time, I think it was Atom or Pee-Wee tryouts in Calgary, and they didn’t have enough defencemen on the team. So I had to try out as a D-man, and it kinda just stuck.”
Through the years, Geoff has been a great support to his son, both in life and hockey. But Jake doesn’t remember too much about his career.
“I remember living in Phoenix just because of the warm weather,” Sanderson said. “But even in Edmonton (Geoff’s final NHL stop), I remember going into the Oilers’ dressing room a lot and just hanging out with him and going in on days off. I don’t remember tons because I was only around 4 or 5 when he retired. But he’s had the biggest impact on my career. I wanted to play hockey because of him, so I’m pretty lucky to do that.”
Sanderson remembers when he first realized he might have a chance to make a living at hockey.
“Yeah, I think when I first really realized that I had a chance was when I committed to North Dakota and went to play at the U.S. National Development Program and played with Michigan. I didn’t know much about it going into it, just living in Canada at the time.”
Most players coming out of college in the U.S. would consider themselves extremely fortunate if they got to play in the NHL with just one of their teammates from school. In an unheard-of development, three of Sanderson’s teammates currently play for the Senators – Shane Pinto, Tyler Kleven, and Jacob Bernard-Docker.
“Yes, it’s so fun, honestly. Away from the rink, especially on the road, it’s kind of us four and some other guys, just hanging out. We have so many memories together and our team was really good when all four of us were playing together at North Dakota. So we do kind of reminisce on that time. We miss it for sure.”
OTTAWA, CANADA – OCTOBER 19: Jake Sanderson #85 of the Ottawa Senators salutes the crowd after being named the second star following a 5-4 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Canadian Tire Centre on October 19, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
You signed your big contract a year and a half ago. What was going through your mind at the time, and was there something fun you ended up buying yourself?
I’m obviously very blessed and just happy to be in Ottawa. I think the first thing I bought for myself was a truck, I didn’t have one at the time. I was using a rental. And then later on, I actually bought my dad a truck. He’s had his old truck forever and I knew he wasn’t going to buy it, so I got him one.
How would you describe Ottawa as a hockey market when it comes to the level of fan and media interest?
I think it’s a huge market and popular as well. It’s kind of tough being in between Toronto and Montreal, but when you’ve been in the city for a few years like I have, you really realize that the fans want the best for the team. And obviously, there are going to be tough times for both the fans and the players. But the fans always stick with us. As players, we really appreciate it. We love playing, and we love playing against the other big markets like Toronto or Montreal and beating them.
What advice would you have for young players who want to follow in your footsteps?
Just stick with it and don’t compare yourself to other people, especially when you’re younger. Everyone can be late bloomers, everyone grows at different times. Personally, I wasn’t the biggest or strongest guy when I was a young player, so it just took me a few years, and I think going to college definitely helped me develop.
What part of Ottawa do you live in, and what do you do for fun in your downtime?
Yeah, I don’t live in the city, I kind of live out in the country near the rink and I love it. I love it so much. It’s so pretty out there, and it’s got nice farmers’ markets in the summer. I got a puppy right now too, so I’ve got my hands full. In the off-time, we don’t get a lot, but I’m just taking him for walks, hanging out. He’s kind of my life away from the rink.
Tell us about your dog. What’s his name?
His name is Moose. He’s a chocolate lab. He’s about 5 months right now. He’s the best. He’s my best friend. So… he’s the man.
With all due respect to Moose, when it comes to Ottawa’s blue line, Jake Sanderson is the man. As a cornerstone of the Senators’ future, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit for this promising young defenceman.
