Ottawa Senators

The Senators’ X-Factor Isn’t Who You Think It Is

Sanderson is logging big minutes, driving play, and becoming one of Ottawa’s most complete players—right when the Senators need it most.

by
Old Prof
April 19, 2026

Jake Sanderson quietly turned into one of the league’s best hard-working defencemen this season, and the numbers back it up. He set career highs across the board — 14 goals in 67 games, 32 even-strength points, and an average ice time of 24:50 that put him eighth in the entire NHL.

That’s not role inflation; that’s a guy coaches trust night after night to log heavy minutes and handle tough matchups. He wasn’t just grinding away in a defensive shell either — those goal and point totals show he’s a real two-way threat now.

Sanderson Helped Team USA Win Olympic Gold

On top of the NHL stuff, he capped the year by helping Team USA win Olympic gold, which is a nice stamp on what’s been a breakout stretch. The EDGE numbers make it pretty clear why he’s getting those big minutes. He’s up there in shots from prime locations, throws one of the hardest pucks in the league, and is legit fast.

He puts up high average shot speeds, top max skating speed, and tons of 20+ mph bursts. Combine that with heavy offensive zone time, and you’ve got a defenseman who can pressure opponents, drive plays, and actually contribute on the scoresheet.

Jake Sanderson Senators — Jake Sanderson has become a workhorse for the Ottawa Senators.

Sanderson Plays a Complete Game for the Senators

What stands out is how complete his game looks now. He’s not just a burner or a shooter; Sanderson mixes speed, size, and a willingness to skate the puck into dangerous areas with the kind of shot that finishes chances. That blend is rare, and that’s why he’s trusted to play massive minutes.

For a team like Ottawa, having a guy who can eat tough defensive minutes, jump into the offence, and still bring elite skating and shot metrics is huge. If he keeps this up, Sanderson is the sort of player who can anchor a top pairing for years. He’s already shown he can do it against the NHL’s best and on the Olympic stage, so the ceiling looks high.

If the Senators Are Going to Advance in the Playoffs, Sanderson Will Help

Teams covet players who can tilt both ends of the ice and stay fresh enough to run a heavy workload — Sanderson checks those boxes. Ottawa’s got a real weapon here, and if they ride him smartly, he could be a cornerstone piece for a long time.

The Senators will need him to play well if they are going to come back to take their series against the Carolina Hurricanes.