Ottawa Senators Finalize Roster
As the Ottawa Senators finalize their roster for the upcoming season, young defenseman Carter Yakemchuk has been assigned to the Belleville Senators in the American Hockey League (AHL). Despite the official announcement being expected later today, recent practices hinted at this decision.
Practice Insights
On Saturday, Yakemchuk participated in a limited practice as the team prepared for their final preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens. Notably, during a practice session on Monday, he was paired with Jordan Spence while Donovan Sebrango practiced with Nik Matinpalo. This change, coupled with Tyler Kleven‘s lower-body injury, suggested Yakemchuk’s demotion was on the horizon.
Official Confirmation
Just hours before the NHL’s deadline for final roster submissions, the Senators confirmed Yakemchuk’s loan to Belleville. Along with him, several others including Jan Jenik and Mads Sogaard were also sent to the AHL after clearing waivers. Having been the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Yakemchuk’s transition to professional play will be crucial as he looks to gain experience and adapt his skills in the minors.
Yakemchuk’s Perspective
In a conversation leading up to this news, Yakemchuk expressed optimism about his training camp experience, noting his desire to daily improve and the joy he finds in playing hockey. Despite a lower profile for the Senators’ prospect pool, he welcomed the attention that comes with being a highly regarded draft pick.
Yakemchuk showcased resilience, saying he would focus on what he can control rather than external pressures. The atmosphere in the Senators locker room, which enjoyed a successful season last year, has been supportive according to Yakemchuk. He reflected on the guidance from veteran players, emphasizing his intent to absorb wisdom from their experiences during his second training camp.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Yakemchuk acknowledged that missing the final preseason game may indicate a shift in his career path, but he remained committed to embracing the situation in Belleville as an opportunity for growth. He aims to improve his game while learning from seasoned players. While his preseason performances did not exactly mirror the scoring success of the previous year, he felt he had improved his skating and defensive gameplay.
Management’s Strategy
The Senators’ management, led by General Manager Steve Staios, has shown a willingness to develop defensemen patiently. This strategy has previously benefited players such as Kleven, allowing them to gain critical experience in the AHL before stepping up to the NHL. The roster’s depth, bolstered by veteran signings, allows the organization to prioritize Yakemchuk’s long-term development over immediate NHL readiness.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while Yakemchuk might not be suiting up with the Senators for the season opener, his time in Belleville is poised to hone his skills. When the time comes for another call-up, the organization will expect a refined and competitive version of their promising prospect.
