Jake Sanderson's recent recognition in the Norris Trophy voting is a clear signal of the young defenseman's burgeoning greatness and a promising future ahead. Sanderson, at just 22 years old, has already established himself as a cornerstone of the Ottawa Senators' defense, and his trajectory suggests he's only scratching the surface of his potential.
In the 2024-2025 season, Sanderson took a significant leap forward, solidifying his role as the Senators' workhorse. He led the team in average ice time, clocking in at an impressive 24:27 per game, a testament to the trust Head Coach Travis Green has placed in him. Sanderson's offensive contributions also surged, as he topped all Senators defensemen with 57 points, placing him third overall on the team, ahead of prominent forwards like Brady Tkachuk. Of those 57 points, 30 came on the powerplay where Sanderson is becoming one of the best in the league at quarterbacking the man advantage.
Sanderson's performance didn't go unnoticed by the hockey world. For the first time in his career, he cracked the top 10 in Norris Trophy voting, finishing tenth overall. While Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar ultimately took home the trophy for the second time, Sanderson's inclusion among the league's elite defensemen speaks volumes about his rapid development and impact on the Senators' roster. He received nine votes for fourth place and six votes for fifth place, indicating that some voters already see him as a potential future winner of the prestigious award.
Sanderson's impact extends beyond regular season statistics. During the 4 Nations Face-Off, former Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban lauded Sanderson as a "great one," highlighting his potential on the international stage. Furthermore, Sanderson played a pivotal role in the Senators' first playoff appearance since 2017.
The Norris Trophy, officially the James Norris Memorial Trophy, is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's (NHL) top defenseman. Historically, the trophy has been dominated by legendary players who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and all-around ability. Past winners include iconic names like Bobby Orr, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Denis Potvin. More recently, Erik Karlsson has captured the award three times (2012, 2015, 2023), twice as a Senator, showcasing the offensive dynamism that defines the modern defenseman. Karlsson's 2023 win was particularly noteworthy as he became the first defenseman since Brian Leetch to surpass the 100-point threshold in a season.
Sanderson's emergence provides a sense of optimism for the Ottawa Senators. The team has struggled to find a true number-one defenseman since Erik Karlsson's departure. While Thomas Chabot and others have contributed, Sanderson's combination of skill, poise, and leadership potential suggests that he can be the cornerstone around which the Senators build their defense for years to come.
While Sanderson's future appears bright, it's essential to temper expectations and allow him to continue his development at his own pace. The path to Norris Trophy contention is paved with challenges, including maintaining consistency, honing defensive skills, and staying healthy. Nevertheless, Sanderson's early success and recognition indicate that he possesses the talent and drive to become a dominant force in the NHL and a perennial contender for the Norris Trophy.
