Jake Sanderson Receives High Praise from Bruins Star Charlie McAvoy

When reflecting on his time as the general manager of the Ottawa Senators, Pierre Dorion will undoubtedly recall a mix of triumphs and missteps. Rebuilding an NHL franchise is a daunting task, especially under an owner known for being hands-on and unpredictable. Yet, amidst the challenges, Dorion deserves credit for several key decisions, particularly one that continues to shine brightly: selecting Jake Sanderson with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.

At the time, the choice sparked some debate, with analysts suggesting that Jamie Drysdale might have been the better defenseman to go after. Fast forward six years, and the conversation has shifted dramatically. Dorion and his scouting team appear to have hit a home run. The Senators later secured Sanderson with an eight-year, $64 million contract, a deal that now stands out as one of the best bargains in the league.

With six seasons remaining on his contract, Ottawa has locked in one of the NHL’s elite young defensemen just as he enters the prime of his career. Sanderson’s fourth season last year was poised to be his best yet until a shoulder injury sidelined him for 13 games. Despite that setback, he managed to tally 54 points in 67 games, putting him on track to surpass his previous career high.

Beyond the numbers, Sanderson’s all-around game continues to develop. He excels at shutting down the opposition’s top forwards, logging substantial minutes in all situations, and driving play forward. Fans and media alike recognize him as one of the league’s premier defensemen, but perhaps the most significant acknowledgment comes from fellow players.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy recently shared his admiration for Sanderson on the Wingmen podcast. When asked which Team USA player surprised him the most, McAvoy did not hesitate to mention Sanderson. “At the Four Nations, it was Sandy,” he said. “Like, I knew he was a stud, but then it was kind of when he started playing, I was like, all right, Sandy’s unbelievable.”

McAvoy’s words reinforce what Ottawa hockey fans have recognized for years: Sanderson possesses a unique ability to control the game while remaining under the radar. He skates with grace, defends with composure, and moves the puck with precision, making it all seem effortless.

At just 24 years old, Sanderson is already becoming one of the faces of the franchise. With Brady Tkachuk now departed, the Senators are poised for a shift in leadership, and it’s reasonable to speculate whether Sanderson will be the next player to don the captain’s C in Ottawa.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.