When training camp kicks off in September for the Ottawa Senators, one of the most compelling storylines will center around what the team decides to do this year with their 2024 first-round draft pick, Carter Yakemchuk.
You’ll remember that last season, Yakemchuk was the Senators’ final cut, despite leading the team in preseason scoring. Actually, Yakemchuk didn’t just lead the team; he finished tied for sixth among all NHL scorers with seven points in four games.
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If that weren’t enough to win over Senators fans, his coast-to-coast overtime goal to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in an exhibition game certainly sealed the deal.
Though disappointed by not cracking the roster, Yakemchuk returned to the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen to focus more on his defensive game and improve his skating. That shift in focus appeared to come at the cost of some offensive production, and his numbers took a noticeable dip.
Some have speculated that, like many junior-aged players, Yakemchuk may have let that initial disappointment get into his head. But Senators amateur scout Don Boyd didn’t see it that way.
"He didn't seem to get too ruffled about it at all," Boyd said shortly before this summer’s draft. "I'm sure he used it as a motivational tool. I was with him shortly after those decisions were made.
"I didn't spend two days with him, but I was with him right after the game and he was fine. He was his usual composed self. Inside, he might be burning, but he's not showing you that."
In his draft year, Yakemchuk turned heads with 30 goals, 71 points, and 120 penalty minutes. This past season, he played 10 fewer games and managed 17 goals, 49 points, and 82 penalty minutes.
But the Senators aren’t concerned.
"I think Carter did some things that we asked him to do," Boyd said. "I know that his numbers weren't as good last year, but he paid a lot more attention to detail in his game. You know, contrary to some people's beliefs, he played a better defensive game. I don't have a problem with Carter's game."
By all accounts, Yakemchuk was a standout at development camp last week. So now the question every Sens fan is asking is this: how close is he to cracking the NHL roster?
"Well, I don't know," Boyd said. "You saw him in exhibition games last year. He was pretty good. You know, once again, it's, you know, do we need him now? That's a question. Or is he better served playing some time in the American League? Or is he ready to go now? There's so many questions that Steve (Staios) and the management have to answer, the coaches, that I can't answer.
"We like him. We like where he is. We like his development."
Yakemchuk’s challenges over the past year didn’t end with being sent back to junior. It was widely assumed he’d be a key player for Team Canada at the World Juniors in Ottawa, but Hockey Canada didn’t even invite him to the pre-tournament camp.
More recently, his imminent path to the NHL just got a lot more crowded. The Senators re-signed 2019 first-round pick Lassi Thomson after a year in Sweden. They also added Jordan Spence from the Los Angeles Kings at the draft. Then there's the rise of Nik Matinpalo, now on a one-way, two-year contract. And looming close behind is this year’s first-rounder, Logan Hensler.
But Yakemchuk, who'll turn 20 in September, is taking it all in stride and using it as fuel.
"I thought I had a really good camp here and obviously was really disappointed to not get named to that roster," Yakemchuk said at development camp last week. "But I use it as motivation to try and make the Senators this year."
Realistically, giving Yakemchuk time to ease into the pro game with a stint in Belleville wouldn’t be the worst idea, more of that Best in Class theme. But if that happens, just like last year, Carter Yakemchuk is bound to make that decision a tough one for Senators management.
By Steve Warne
The Hockey News/Ottawa
Image Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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