The Ottawa Senators ensured that blueliner Jake Sanderson was not going anywhere for at least the next eight years.
The Senators have signed the defenseman to an eight-year contract extension worth $64.4 million, the Associated Press reported.
The new deal is hardly surprising considering the performance of the 21-year-old last season. Sanderson tallied four goals and 28 assists in 77 games as a rookie for the Ottawa Senators. Before the new deal was announced, he was entering the final year of his entry-level contract.
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"Jake's transition to the pro game has been flawless," Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said in an official statement via the Herald Bulletin. "He's a very mature young man who demonstrates a routine and skilful ability to play important minutes with poise. ... He has the talent to be one of the best all-around defensemen in the NHL for years to come."
Sanderson becomes the third-highest player on the Senators lineup with the new deal. Further, once the new deal kicks in, the 21-year-old will become the 14th highest-paid defenseman in the NHL.
Sanderson continues to polish his play
Sanderson had to fill big shoes following the injury to Thomas Chabot earlier this year. He responded magnificently, although he still needs to polish on several things.
Ottawa Senators legend Daniel Alfredsson has been working directly with Sanderson, helping him improve his footwork, The Athletic reported.
"He's played with some pretty good players and he's seen a lot of things across the league. So with a guy like that, you have to pick his brain about everything. I mean, he's a Hall of Famer," Sanderson shared. "He's played against the best. And he is one of the best."
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