Yakemchuk Could Be Senators’ Most Compelling Training Camp Storyline

We’re now about three weeks away from actual hockey, and one of the most interesting stories at Senators training camp this year will be Carter Yakemchuk’s attempt to make the full-time NHL roster.

To some degree, he’s paid his dues the past two seasons, developing in both the WHL and AHL, and there now appears to be a spot waiting for him among Ottawa’s top seven defencemen.

But is he actually ready?

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At the moment, Yakemchuk and Nikolas Matinpalo look like the primary candidates for the opening on the right side of Ottawa’s bottom D pairing. Matinpalo has considerably more professional and NHL experience and has played in every Sens playoff game the past two years.

At worst, Matinpalo will be the Senators’ seventh defenseman. But if he outduels Yakemchuk for the sixth spot, there’s a good chance the Senators’ prized rookie might then head back to Belleville.

But that’s a bridge to be crossed at the end of camp after the Senators decide on their final cuts. Yakemchuk has made it to that point in each of the past two years, and the team is hoping this is the year he clears that last hurdle.

He certainly provided some highlights in his brief time with Ottawa last season.

He appeared in four regular-season games with Ottawa and added one playoff appearance. Both his NHL regular-season debut and his Stanley Cup playoff debut resulted in two-point performances.

So the offensive ability appears to be NHL-ready. As for the rest, time will tell.

Former Senator Chris Neil On Tkachuk Joining Florida: ‘Is He Even In Their Top Six?’

Former Senator Chris Neil On Tkachuk Joining Florida: ‘Is He Even In Their Top Six?’Former Senators great Chris Neil appeared on Coming in Hot on Monday and wondered if Tkachuk might end up being a third-liner in Florida.

Yakemchuk spent Friday at Sensplex visiting with local kids and signing autographs, and says he likes where his game is heading.

“I think it’s been a good summer for myself,” Yakemchuk told Sens social media host Jackson Starr. “And I’m just excited for camp. I wanna go in there and do my best and put my best foot forward. So I’m excited for it.”

Yakemchuk has also spent plenty of time around his future teammates this summer. He’s been staying at Ridly Greig’s house and has been glad to regularly train with the boys, which should make main camp more comfortable, providing a real sense of belonging..

“Yeah, I mean, everyone’s great, so it’s nice to catch up with them. I haven’t seen them in a couple of months, but yeah, just hanging out with them at the gym and at the rink and then also away from it, it’s been awesome.”

Before the battle for NHL jobs really gets underway, Yakemchuk could get an early opportunity for something a little more challenging than summer shinny.

The Senators’ rookies and prospects will be in Gatineau for the NHL Prospect Challenge at the Slush Puppie Centre on September 12 and 13, with Ottawa facing prospects from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.

Then comes the bigger test.

Yakemchuk has been one of Ottawa’s most closely watched prospects since being selected seventh overall in 2024. His size and offensive instincts were NHL-ready on day one.

Now the question is whether the rest of his game is ready for full-time duty.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

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