A native of Whitefish, Mont., Sanderson, 19, recently completed his second season of college eligibility with the University of North Dakota (NCHC) Fighting Hawks, leading team defencemen while ranking third in overall scoring with 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) despite playing only 23 of his team's 39 games.
"We're very pleased to get Jake under contract," said Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. "An important cog to our future on defence, Jake is an effortless skater who possesses all the tools to be a complete NHL defenceman. A mature leader despite his young age, he played big minutes in college with a blend of poise and confidence. While he still has progress to make in overcoming a current injury, we are hopeful of seeing him in our lineup before the end of the season."
In the midst of recovery from a hand injury, Sanderson, who recorded 41 points (10 goals, 31 assists) and 10 penalty minutes over 45 career collegiate contests, will join the Senators this week and could appear in regular-season games for the club within the month.
Recognized as a Second-Team All-NCHC honoree upon the conclusion of 2021-22 conference play, Sanderson was limited to only 10 conference games on account of having represented the United States at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship (where he served as American captain) and at the Beijing Winter Olympics. He was also named NCHC Defenseman of the Week on two occasions this past season.
Drafted by the Senators with the team's second of three first-round selections (fifth overall) at the 2020 NHL Draft, Sanderson served as a UND alternate captain for the first time in 2021-22.
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