OTTAWA – With hockey on break for the summer, one of the main points of interest when the Ottawa Senators` training camp starts will be the potential NHL readiness of prospect Carter Yakemchuk.
“My goal is to make the opening night roster. That’s what I want,” Yakemchuk stated.
Speaking from inside the Canadian Tire Centre on Friday, the usually reserved and somewhat shy Yakemchuk shared this ambitious goal.
He mentioned feeling more at ease, confident, and comfortable interacting with the media and fans compared to the start of his NHL journey last year.
The Senators drafted Yakemchuk seventh overall in 2024, drawn by his imposing six-foot-four physique, impressive puck handling skills, and aggressive style. His being a right-shot defenceman also filled a long-standing need for the team.
However, the season that followed was eventful for Yakemchuk. He scored a memorable pre-season goal that hinted at an early NHL jump, but later wasn`t invited to Canada`s world junior selection camp, even though it was held in Ottawa. Overall, he had a somewhat average junior season with the Calgary Hitmen.
Yakemchuk is back in Ottawa this week, participating in the Senators` development camp.
“I feel like I’ve come a long way, trying to round out my game to be an NHL defenceman one day,” he commented.
Little was expected when Yakemchuk first joined the Senators for training camp last September; any flashes of strong performance would have been considered a bonus. But in his very first pre-season game against the Leafs, he scored a highlight-reel goal.
Friends and family bombarded Yakemchuk with texts for the next 24 hours, but he mentioned he 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 this year`s development camp, Yakemchuk showcased his skill again with a spectacular goal, featuring a between-the-legs move that went bar-down.
“I don`t necessarily work on that,” Yakemchuk said with a chuckle about the fancy move. “I probably won’t try that in a game.”
His offensive skill is clearly undeniable.
Yakemchuk described last year’s training camp as an `eye opener,` noting the adjustment required for the NHL`s speed and skill level. Veteran defenceman Thomas Chabot provided him with `little pointers` during that time.
However, despite his impressive skill, the Senators concluded that the 19-year-old needed more time developing in junior hockey.
Andrew Gordon, a scout for the Senators and head of the development camp, discussed areas where Yakemchuk still needs to improve.
“When Yakemchuk has the puck, there’s no doubt about his offensive capabilities,” Gordon stated. “I believe that will always be his main asset. Therefore, our focus has been on strengthening the other aspects of his game – ensuring he can compete effectively in corner battles, improve defensively against rushes, enhance his skating, and refine his gap control, among other things.”
It’s apparent which zone of the ice Yakemchuk feels more comfortable in.
“It’s much more enjoyable to be in the offensive zone and shoot rather than defending one-on-one in the corners,” he admitted.
Interestingly, Yakemchuk, who grew up as an Oilers fan in Calgary, bases his playing style on a highly-paid star defenceman from his childhood favourite team.
“I really admire Evan Bouchard and how he plays his game, his contributions in the offensive zone, and his playmaking,” Yakemchuk explained. “And, of course, he’s great at scoring goals.”