OTTAWA – Although it`s the off-season for hockey, the focus in Ottawa is already shifting towards training camp, where a major storyline will revolve around the NHL readiness of promising prospect Carter Yakemchuk.
“My goal is to make the opening roster. That’s what I want to do,” stated Yakemchuk, expressing his clear ambition.
Speaking from inside the Canadian Tire Centre on Friday, the typically reserved defenseman shared this determined outlook. He noted that he feels more comfortable and self-assured when interacting with the media and the fan base compared to his initial introduction to the NHL world last year.
The Senators drafted Yakemchuk seventh overall in 2024, attracted by his significant size (six-foot-four), impressive offensive skills, and aggressive playing style. As a right-shot defenseman, he also addresses a long-standing need for the team.
However, the period since being drafted has been a mixed experience. After scoring a notable pre-season goal that briefly raised hopes of making the NHL roster immediately, his season didn`t unfold as expected. He wasn`t invited to the World Junior selection camp, despite it being held in Ottawa, and had an inconsistent junior campaign with the Calgary Hitmen.
Yakemchuk recently returned to Ottawa for the Senators` development camp.
“I feel like I`ve come a long way, trying to round out my game to be an NHL defenseman one day,” he commented on his progress.
During last September`s training camp, expectations for Yakemchuk were modest; any strong performance was seen as a bonus. Yet, he surprised many by scoring a spectacular goal against the Maple Leafs in his first pre-season game.
Reflecting on that moment, Yakemchuk mentioned being overwhelmed by messages but hasn`t rewatched the goal since. “My friends showed me the video (at the time) and they thought it was pretty awesome,” he recalled.
At the current development camp, he showcased his skill again, executing a flashy between-the-legs move resulting in a goal during a drill. “I don`t say I necessarily work on it,” he admitted with a chuckle, adding, “I probably won’t break it out in a game.” His raw talent is clearly evident.
Yakemchuk described his first NHL training camp as an “eye opener,” highlighting the challenge of adjusting to the speed and skill level. Veteran defenseman Thomas Chabot provided helpful “little pointers” throughout the camp.
Ultimately, despite flashes of skill, the Senators determined that the 19-year-old would benefit from another season of junior hockey development.
Andrew Gordon, a Senators scout and head of development camp, emphasized the areas where Yakemchuk needs to improve. “When the puck’s on Yakemchuk’s stick, there`s no question what he can do,” Gordon stated. “I think that`s always going to be his strength. So, we were trying to just shore up the other areas of his game, and make sure he`s able to compete in the corners, defensively, off the rush, improve his feet and just gap control, things like that.”
Yakemchuk himself acknowledges his preference for offense. “It`s a lot more fun to go out there and shoot than (to) go out there and defend one on one in the corners,” he admitted.
Interestingly, Yakemchuk, who grew up a bold Edmonton Oilers fan in Calgary, models his playing style after a prominent defenseman from his former favorite team: Evan Bouchard. “I really liked (Evan) Bouchard, just the way he plays his game, and how he contributes in the offensive zone and makes plays. And, obviously, he does a great job of scoring goals,” Yakemchuk explained.
