Prior to the 2024-25 season, one player on the Ottawa Senators who was ready to raise his game was 22-year-old defenseman Jake Sanderson.
Sanderson's game and confidence has gotten better with every month. In February, Sanderson got to showcase his rising game by representing the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Sanderson's game was impressive during the 4 Nations Face-Off that former Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban gave Sanderson high praise.
"The Ottawa Senators got a great one in this kid,"- P.K. Subban on Jake Sanderson
— Jake Ferraro (@18Jxxx18) February 21, 2025
When March arrived, Sanderson was a big part to the Senators winning 10 of the 15 games during the month. Despite opening April with a loss, Sanderson once again is showing his progress this season.
Sanderson records first 50-point season of career
Last night's 5-2 loss for the Senators was another awful performance against the Buffalo Sabres. But, Sanderson was able to walk away with a positive in the loss.
After Buffalo scored a goal to make it 4-1, Sanderson scored a goal 33 seconds later to get the Senators back within two goals. The goal by Sanderson helped him record his first 50-point season of his career.
8️⃣5️⃣ absolutely RIPS this one after doing his 🐍 thing‼️ #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/0XUW9BcwU2
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 2, 2025
Sanderson's goal marked the first time since Thomas Chabot's 2018-19 season that a Senators defenseman recorded 50 points in a single season.
Sanderson has recorded nine multi-point games this season. Over the past 16 games, Sanderson has recorded 14 points. In two of the last three games, Sanderson scored a goal.
While 41 of Sanderson's points this season have been assists, his presence has been big for the Senators with averaging the highest ice time among the Senators roster.
Sanderson's 50 points are the fourth highest on the Senators, along with the most points among Senators defensemen. Sanderson's 41 assists are also the second most on the Senators behind Tim Stutzle.
Twenty-six of Sanderson's points have come on the powerplay. Sanderson also has four shorthanded points this season.
The Senators and Sanderson will need a bounce back win in their next game tomorrow night against the Tampa Bay Lightning at home at 7 p.m. ET. Sanderson has recorded four points in three games against the Lightning this season.