OTTAWA — In the NHL, while many stars display their emotions openly, Ottawa Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson stands out with his commitment to stoicism. Practicing the principles of this ancient Greek philosophy, Sanderson focuses on emotional regulation and accepting what he cannot control, distinguishing himself in a league where displays of passion are common.
“Just a lot of stoicism. That’s my big thing,” Sanderson shared recently. His calm demeanor contrasts sharply with his expressive captain, Brady Tkachuk, making him a unique presence on the team. Despite the pressures of high-stakes games, Sanderson finds solace in reminding himself that moments of anxiety are fleeting. “You may be nervous at some points in a high-pressure situation, but you’re going to look back in 20 years and you’re going to wish you had those in your life again,” he noted.
This season, Sanderson has made a significant impact on the ice. With 20 points in 25 games, he has quickly become one of the most reliable defensive players in the league, showcasing a blend of incredible speed, hockey IQ, and offensive capability. A recent game illustrated his skills when he cycled single-handedly in the Dallas zone to score the only goal in a Senators defeat, moving him ahead of Zdeno Chara for fifth all-time in points by a Senators defenceman.
While he admits to sometimes feeling fired up during games, Sanderson insists he never resorts to yelling. “No, I know I don’t,” he clarified when asked about temper. “Sometimes I get fired up on the ice or on the bench, but I’ll never really yell.”
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Facing the emotional highs and lows of last season, he learned valuable lessons about handling pressure, leading to a more stable approach this year. Initially having a difficult start that kept him off Team USA for the 4 Nations tournament, he ultimately made the team as an injury replacement. Reflecting on that experience, Sanderson remarked, “I wanted it really badly, and it affected me.”
This season has seen Sanderson adopt a daily routine that includes listening to Ryan Holiday’s podcast, “The Daily Stoic,” on his way to the rink. “It’s a high-pressure atmosphere, but you learn different ways in how to cope with it,” he explained, appreciating the perspective it offers.
Coaches and analysts alike praise Sanderson’s consistency. Senators coach Travis Green remarked, “Rarely will he make a mistake.” Notable figures such as Chris Pronger have even likened Sanderson’s style to Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer, highlighting his strong skating ability and mistake-free play. This season, Sanderson is trusted with a career-high average of 24:40 minutes of ice time per game.
An avid learner, Sanderson continuously seeks improvement. He humorously labels himself an “everydayer,” dedicated to understanding the nuances of the game and personal development. After last season’s lessons, he emphasized that “comfort kind of kills growth … you want to seek out challenges every single day.”
In addition to maintaining a rigorous recovery routine, Sanderson has been inspired by the stories of other athletes. He recently delved into the world of tennis through Michael Jordan’s “The Last Dance” documentary and Andre Agassi’s autobiography “Open.” “I’m in a team sport. I know he mentions it multiple times in the book that he wishes he played a team sport,” Sanderson noted, appreciating the camaraderie and support of his teammates.
Navigating the balance between confidence and humility, Sanderson recognizes the role ego plays in sports and personal growth. “You have to have a little bit of both,” he said. “With ego, you have to be confident in your abilities, but also you have to be open to constructive criticism.”
As the season progresses, Sanderson’s performance places him in the conversation for the Norris Trophy, an accolade that honors the league’s top defenceman. He currently ranks among the top 10 in defenceman scoring and displays an impressive balance of elite defensive skills and offensive contributions.
By maintaining a low profile while delivering high-level performances, Sanderson embodies the future of a franchise looking for stability and leadership. Coach Green encapsulated the sentiment of the Senators’ fanbase: “We’re lucky to have him.”
