OTTAWA — Despite it being the offseason, the focus shifts to Ottawa Senators training camp, where one of the main questions will be whether prospect Carter Yakemchuk is ready for the NHL.
Speaking from the Canadian Tire Centre on Friday, a typically reserved Yakemchuk stated his clear goal: “My goal is to make the opening roster. That`s what I want to do.”
He mentioned feeling more comfortable and confident when interacting with the media and fans this year compared to his initial introduction to the NHL world last year.
The Senators drafted Yakemchuk seventh overall in 2024, drawn to his imposing six-foot-four size, impressive puck skills, aggressive approach, and his valuable status as a right-shot defenseman – a position of constant need for Ottawa.
However, the past season was filled with ups and downs for the young player. It included scoring a notable preseason goal that sparked talk of him making the team, yet later not receiving an invitation to Canada`s World Junior selection camp, despite the tournament being held in Ottawa. Overall, his junior season with the Calgary Hitmen was considered average.
Yakemchuk recently returned to Ottawa for the Senators` development camp.
“I feel like I`ve come a long way, trying to round up my game to be an NHL defenseman one day,” he commented.
Last September, there weren`t high expectations when Yakemchuk joined the Senators` training camp. Any strong performances were seen as a bonus. But then, he surprised many by scoring a spectacular highlight-reel goal against the Leafs in his first preseason game.
He was flooded with messages from friends and family after the goal but mentioned he hasn`t watched the replay since. “My friends showed me the video (at the time) and they thought it was pretty awesome,” he recalled.
At this year`s development camp, Yakemchuk again showed flashes of his skill, pulling off a flashy between-the-legs, bar-down shot during a drill.
“I don`t say I necessarily work on it,” Yakemchuk chuckled, admitting, “I probably won`t break it out in a game.”
His raw offensive skill is undeniable.
Yakemchuk described last year`s camp as an “eye opener” in understanding the speed and skill level required in the NHL. He also received “little pointers” from veteran defenseman Thomas Chabot during that time.
Despite his impressive moments, the Senators decided that the 19-year-old would benefit from more development time in junior hockey.
Andrew Gordon, a Senators scout and the head of development camp, discussed the specific areas of Yakemchuk`s game that need refinement. “When the puck`s on Yakemchuk`s stick, there`s no question what he can do,” Gordon said, acknowledging it as 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.”
It`s clear where Yakemchuk`s preference lies on the ice.
“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 candidly stated.
Interestingly, Yakemchuk, who grew up an Edmonton Oilers fan in Calgary, bases his playing style on a well-regarded defenseman from his former favorite team.
“I really liked (Evan) Bouchard,” Yakemchuk said, explaining, “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.”
