Senate member Jake Sanderson ultimately decides on extending the invitation for Team USA
Fresh Take:
Senators' Star Jake Sanderson Turns Down Team USA Invite for Rest
The Ottawa Senators are out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and while that's a bummer, one of their top players, Jake Sanderson, has something to look forward to. Sanderson got an invitation to play for Team USA in the upcoming IIHF World Championship, but he gracefully declined, explaining, "I just think it was a long season, I adore representing my country, and I hope I get more chances in the future."
Sanderson shared his thoughts on the decision:
"It's been a long season, and I can't deny I love playing for my country. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities for me in the future."
Before declining the invite, Sanderson was part of Team USA at the 4 Nations tournament, where he stepped in for the injured Quinn Hughes. That was a nail-biting competition, with the States losing to Canada in the final. Sanderson played in a whopping 80 games for the Senators in the 2024-25 season, scoring 11 goals and tallying 46 assists - a career-best performance.
In an emotionally charged moment post-series loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brady Tkachuk connected with Auston Matthews, another star born and bred in America[2]. Meanwhile, some debate whether the Senators bearing the brunt of blame for the Battle of Ontario loss to the Leafs or not[3]. And Craig Berube, Maple Leafs coach, revealed a "business-like" mindset for Game 6[4].
With Sanderson just 22 years old, there's no telling how many more times we'll see the Whitefish, Montana native donning the stars and stripes. For now, though, rest is on the menu, given the rigorous season he's had with the Senators.
Sanderson played a vital role in the six-game series against the Maple Leafs, contributing three points[6]. The World Championship kicks off shortly, and with a roster stacked with stars like Tage Thompson, Conor Garland, Jeremy Swayman, and Logan Cooley, it's bound to be a knock-down, drag-out competition. Brady Skjei, born in 1994, is the elder statesman among the squad.
Sanderson is fast becoming one of the top defensemen in the NHL, and there's no doubt we'll see him back representing his country in the future. Until then, he'll be cheering from the sidelines, getting the relaxation he deserves.
[1] "Jake Sanderson signs 3-year contract with the Ottawa Senators" - NHL.com[2] "Tkachuk's emotional moment with Maple Leafs' Matthews" - TSN[3] "Senators' failures in the Battle of Ontario" - Sportsnet[4] "Maple Leafs' Berube reveals Game 6 mentality" - The Athletic[5] "Sanderson shines in Senators' playoff push" - ESPN[6] "Sanderson contributes to Senators in series vs. Maple Leafs" - NBC Sports
- Jake Sanderson, with a career-best performance in the 2024-25 season, has no plans to compete in the upcoming IIHF World Championship, choosing rest over representing Team USA in the championship.
- Despite being out of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Ottawa Senators boast a rising star in Jake Sanderson, who played a vital role in the six-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs and contributed three points.
- Although Jake Sanderson has declined the invitation to play for Team USA in the 2024 IIHF World Championship, there's no doubt that we'll see him back representing his country in future competitions, given his rapid rise as one of the top defensemen in the NHL.
- The IIHF World Championship kicks off shortly, and with a roster stacked with stars like Tage Thompson, Conor Garland, Jeremy Swayman, and Logan Cooley, it promises to be a fierce competition.
- Jake Sanderson, who was part of Team USA at the 4 Nations tournament, will forego the opportunity to compete in the 2024 IIHF World Championship, citing a long season as his reason for choosing rest instead.
