Jake Sanderson

There were concerns regarding how the 20-year-old Sanderson would handle the jump from college hockey to the NHL. He not only held his own, but thrived. Sanderson posted four goals and 32 points in 77 games in his freshman campaign, being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in the process. He quarterbacked Ottawa's No. 1 power-play unit when Thomas Chabot was out injured and closed the year with 17 points with the man advantage. The lone concern for Sanderson's 2023-24 fantasy outlook is not only is Chabot back, but Jakob Chychrun has entered the picture as well. Any dip in power-play time could potentially damage his scoring numbers significantly, though Sanderson's youth allows for him to offset that dip with even-strength growth.

Sanderson, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft, signed his entry-level deal with Ottawa in late March following the completion of his season at the University of North Dakota. A hand injury prohibited Sanderson from making his NHL debut late in the year, but he has since recovered and is fully expected to be a regular for the Senators in 2022-23. Ottawa will likely practice caution with Sanderson, who will play the entirety of the upcoming year at age 20, but he could very easily force the Sens' hand into a larger role if he gets off to a quick start.