As October 2023 approaches, so does the commencement of the 2023–24 NHL season. However, the sport has seen many shifts, from individual player deals to the retirement of long-time legends. In the 2023–24 season, rookies will be thrust into the limelight as they compete for championships and make their imprint on the sport. Jake Sanderson, a defender for the Ottawa Senators, was a rookie last year and had already been given a fortune by the franchise in the form of an 8-year contract extension for $64.4 million.

When the National Hockey League announced that rookie defender Jake Sanderson had signed a contract extension, the news spread like wildfire over social media. This financial move by the Ottawa Senators, who didn’t make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs the previous season, was met with mixed reactions from supporters.

Just the support Jake Sanderson needs

The Ottawa Senators picked Jake Sanderson in 2020. The Senators had great expectations for their defensive scheme, which is why they selected him with the fifth choice in the first round. Sanderson seemed to have no learning curve as he exploded onto the scene in his debut NHL season. However, the youngster solidified his place on the ice by displaying the kind of absolute defensive performance that the Senators needed to feel confident in committing to him.

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In the middle of the offseason, the Senators placed their faith in their youngster by committing to an $8.05 million per year extension to his deal for the next eight NHL seasons. Since the 21-year-old made the “All-Rookie Team” last season, this contract is one of the largest ever for an NHL rookie, giving him plenty of ice time to continue proving his worth.

Sanderson had 4 goals, 28 assists, and 32 points in 77 games during the previous season. Despite his lackluster scoring, the Senators saw enough potential in the young defenseman to extend his contract through the 2031–32 NHL season. Ottawa Senators supporters were somewhat split on this financial choice of their NHL club due to the team’s lack of a season to discuss.

NHL community’s mixed reaction to this huge contract

Numerous contract extensions, retirements, and a draft have occurred this season in the NHL. The significance of Jake Sanderson’s contract extension makes it stand out. Though some Ottawa Senators supporters applauded the organization for taking a financial risk on the rookie, others reacted negatively as soon as the Instagram post was published.

This fan was just stunned about the contract extension, as they say, “HOLY OVERPAY.” A longtime NHL fan commented in favor of the deal, saying, “The casuals don’t understand how amazing this deal will be in 2 years.”

Apart from all the doubts, this fan is optimistic about the Senators making the playoffs next season, as they say, “As the only black season ticket holder in the NHL. I approve this signing, playoffs here we come baby.” This fan thinks the extension was very early; as they say, “77 games only and he gets this? Over paid.”

With the new money from his deal, Jake Sanderson can ignore the naysayers and focus on the 2023–24 season opener against the Carolina Hurricanes as a chance to thank his team and supporters for their support during his NHL career.

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