Jake Sanderson, D, Ottawa Senators
There may not be a defender in the NHL more ready to sneak into the Norris Trophy conversation than the Senators' Jake Sanderson.
His two-way play is impressive. His stout defense uses his length and mobility to close quickly and thwart chances whenever an attacker threatens.
In transition, he’s a confident puck-carrier who doesn't hold onto the puck too long and understands when to draw pressure and evade. In the offensive zone, Sanderson has grown into a mobile puck-mover who excels when given the chance to set up his teammates
While he isn’t quite elite in any regard just yet, he’s on the cusp as a defender and in transition.
Sanderson averages more than 24 minutes a night and can play in all situations. He was leaned on to play when the game was tightest, protecting leads or pushing to tie the game late.
If Sanderson can improve on his 57-point output from last year and continue to impress in his own end, he might not just push into the elites on the blueline. He could end up being a Norris finalist.
https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/eight-nhl-players-on-the-cusp-of-reaching-elite-status-knies-sanderson-bedard-and-more