Jake Sanderson

Jake Sanderson Bio

Jake Sanderson is a Canadian–American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on July 8, 2002, in Whitefish, Montana, he was drafted by the Senators 5th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Sanderson’s career began at the collegiate level with the University of North Dakota, where he achieved notable recognition as he transitioned into the NHL. With strong performances, he has become a key defender on the Senators’ roster, achieving his first NHL goal in November 2022 and signing a significant contract extension in 2023.

Early Life and Background

Jake Sanderson was born to former NHL forward Geoff Sanderson and his wife Ellen. He has a rich hockey lineage, with his uncle Guy playing for Clarkson University and his father’s cousins Wade and Sheldon Brookbank both having played in the NHL. His brother Ben committed to playing ice hockey at Colorado College, while his younger brother Sawyer played AA hockey. During his early years, Sanderson and his brothers moved to various cities, including Phoenix, Arizona, Buffalo, New York, and Columbus, Ohio, due to his father’s professional career. In Whitefish, he competed for the Glacier Avalanche of the Glacier Hockey Association alongside his brother Ben from age eight to eleven. At the age of twelve, the family relocated to Calgary, Alberta. Initially aspiring to be a goaltender, Sanderson shifted his focus to becoming a skater, eventually becoming a full-time defenseman by the age of fourteen.

Path to Hockey

After moving to Calgary, Sanderson played within the Springbank Rockies minor hockey association and earned stints with the Calgary Bantam AAA Flames and the Edge School Mountaineers Elite 15s. He was drafted in the fourth round of the Western Hockey League (WHL) draft by the Kootenay Ice but opted to maintain his NCAA eligibility. Sanderson then joined the U.S. National Development Team (USNTDP), where he was encouraged to graduate early from high school and play college hockey a year ahead of schedule. He was scouted by several schools, including the University of North Dakota and Harvard University, ultimately choosing to attend the University of North Dakota. In his final year with the USNTDP, Sanderson recorded 29 points in 47 games and was named the winner of the Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award for most outstanding United States-born player in junior hockey.

Jake Sanderson Career

Early Career (2020–2022)

Jake Sanderson joined the North Dakota Fighting Hawks men’s ice hockey team for the 2020–21 season, competing in the NCAA’s National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) while majoring in kinesiology. As a freshman, he recorded two goals and 13 assists for 15 points through 22 games. Sanderson scored his first collegiate goal on December 4, 2020, before missing seven games to compete at the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships with Team USA. He finished his rookie season with numerous honors, including being named to the All-NCHC Rookie Team and earning All-NCHC Academic Team honors. Sanderson returned to the University of North Dakota for his sophomore season as an assistant captain and was named to the 2021 NCHC Preseason All-Conference Team.

Breakthrough (2022–Present)

Jake Sanderson was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round, fifth overall, of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. After completing his sophomore college season, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Senators on March 27, 2022. He made his NHL debut in October against the Buffalo Sabres and scored his first NHL goal on November 23, 2022, in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. During the 2022–23 season, Sanderson finished eighth in scoring on the Senators, recording 32 points in 77 games, and was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team. On September 6, 2023, the Senators announced that Sanderson had signed an eight-year, $64.4 million contract extension with the team. In the 2023–24 season, he improved his scoring with 38 points in 79 games. Sanderson began the 2024–25 season slowly but improved as the season progressed, setting career highs in goals, assists, and points. He made his 200th appearance on January 16, 2025, and recorded his 100th NHL assist and point. The Senators qualified for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, marking their return for the first time in eight years. In the playoffs, Sanderson scored his first NHL playoff goal in overtime during a crucial game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Notable Works and Milestones

Jake Sanderson’s signature work includes his strong performances with the Ottawa Senators, culminating in his selection to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team and his significant contract extension in 2023.

Jake Sanderson Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Jake Sanderson has received recognition for his performances, including being named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team.

Jake Sanderson Awards Won

Jake Sanderson has not yet won any major awards but has achieved significant milestones in his early career, including his selection in the NHL Entry Draft and his contract extension with the Senators.

Jake Sanderson Family

Jake Sanderson is the son of Geoff and Ellen Sanderson. His family has a strong hockey background, with several relatives having played professionally.