prospects_SandersonTW_AND_WEB

As part of our Road to the Draft content series, NewJerseyDevils.com will be profiling the top North American and European skaters eligible for the upcoming 2020 NHL Draft. This will allow Devils and hockey fans at large to familiarize themselves with the next class of NHL talent. We now take a look at one of the top defenders, Jake Sanderson.
AGE: 18
COUNTRY: USA
HEIGHT: 6-2
WEIGHT: 185 lbs
POSITION: Defenseman
SHOOTS: Left
DRAFT YEAR PRODUCTION: 47 GP, 7 G, 22 A, 29 P (USNTDP U18)

WHAT'S THE BUZZ

"Excellent skater who plays all parts of the game at a quick pace. Elite hockey sense allows him to be effective on the attack and while defending. Great battle game and compete level."

- NHL Central Scouting

CUT TO THE CHASE

When we spoke to NHL.com writer and draft expert Mike Morreale on the Speak of the Devils podcast, he was very high on who people believe to be the second-best defensemen in this draft class. Jake Sanderson, NHL Central Scouting's fourth-ranked North American Skater, lives up to the hype.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Whitefish, MT native led all defenders in USA Hockey's Under-18 Development Program with 29 points in 47 games this past season. He's shown leadership ability, serving as captain for the Americans.
"He's an elite skater, great size strength, and has a lot of pro skills," said Morreale. "He makes tape-to-tape, really good passes and sees the ice so well... I know he'll probably be the first United States-born player off the board. I think a lot of teams do like him."
Central Scouting compares him to Boston's Charlie McAvoy. That's high praise for Sanderson, who could see himself be drafted in a similar range as McAvoy, who went 14th overall in 2016. Central Scouting also lauds Sanderson's pace, his battle, and compete level.
Hockey runs in Sanderson's blood. His father Geoff played more than 1,100 NHL games. After being picked in the second round in 1990 by Hartford, Geoff played for the Whalers, Carolina, Vancouver, Buffalo, Columbus, Vancouver, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and Edmonton over the course of his long career.

DID YOU KNOW?

In addition to his father, Jake has two brothers and an uncle who play hockey. His uncle Guy played for Clarkson University in the 90s. His brother Ben is committed to playing at Colorado College, while his younger brother Sawyer just played a season of AA hockey in Canada.
Geoff himself, is cousins with long-time pro players Sheldon and Wade Brookbank,