The Ottawa Senators have signed their first pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft Carter Yakemchuk to his entry-level contract. The Senators had the seventh overall pick in the draft and wanted to fill a need. Yakemchuk provides the toughness recent editions of the Sens blueline has needed.
The Ottawa Senators Sign Defenceman Carter Yakemchuk to Contract
Carter Yakemchuk had a big draft season playing for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. In 66 games in 2023-24, he scored 30 goals and added 41 assists for 71 points. Therefore, he brings a scoring punch and also plays with a high hockey IQ. He can also play in high pressure situations. Case in point, the Alberta product has represented Canada internationally, at the IIHF U18s at the 2023 tournament.
Furthermore, listed at 6’3” and 190 lbs, he brings the size the Ottawa Senators blueline has had on its wish list over the recent past. He brings a physical presence and looks to engage on forwards when the opportunity presents itself. His 120 penalty minutes in his last year of junior is evidence of that as well.
What Does Yakechum Bring to the Senators
Yakemchuk was selected ahead of other highly-skilled defencemen like Zayne Parekh or Zeev Buium because he brought the intangibles the Sens blueline needs. It would be nice if he were NHL ready now, but the Sens will likely have to be patient. Defencemen typically take a little longer develop so that seems to be the messaging from general manager and president of hockey operations Steven Staios.
“With continued development, we expect him to become a key member of our defence corps for many years to come.”
There will be competition for the Senators for their third pairing in this year’s training camp. Players like Max Guenette, Tyler Kleven, and Jacob Bernard-Docker will all be fighting for positions. The Sens want to be tougher, so those players, Yakemchuk included, will get a leg up on the competition. However, for this season, it is likely that Yakemchuk will need more development time. Whether that is in Calgary with the Hitmen or Belleville in the AHL, that will be known in a couple months time.
Main photo: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
