Ottawa Senators Call Up Young Talents
As the Ottawa Senators continue their preparations amid the absence of several key players participating in the Olympics, they have called up four promising talents from their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators. This decision to bring in Carter Yakemchuk, Tyler Boucher, Oskar Pettersson, and Arthur Kaliyev not only bolstered the numbers for Thursday’s practice but also allowed the coaching staff to assess their development as rising prospects in the organization.
Significance of the Call-Up
For these young athletes, receiving a call-up serves as a significant affirmation of their potential, as not every player in the American Hockey League earns such recognition. Among this quartet, Carter Yakemchuk stands out as the most likely candidate to see NHL action during this season, although much will depend on the Senators’ roster dynamics following the upcoming trade deadline.
Carter Yakemchuk’s Perspective
At just 20 years old, Yakemchuk, a rookie in the AHL, expressed excitement about the opportunity, despite typically being understated in his remarks. He characterized the practice as “long and hard,” yet also “super cool,” emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in his game.
“It’s been a good year,”
Yakemchuk noted, reflecting on his growth and ambition to one day secure a permanent position within the NHL.
Potential Partnership with Thomas Chabot
The potential for Yakemchuk to eventually partner with incumbent Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot drew a positive response from Chabot, who praised Yakemchuk’s skill and approach, stating,
“He’s so talented… it’s fun to see him here, and it’s only a matter of time before he’ll be up here.”
Current Performance and Future Outlook
Currently, Yakemchuk is Belleville’s highest-scoring defenseman with 25 points in 39 games; however, his defensive struggles are evident, as he has recorded a disappointing minus-28 rating, the worst on the team. Head coach Travis Green remains optimistic about Yakemchuk’s future but emphasizes the need for patience. The organization aims to ensure that he is fully prepared to make an impactful debut rather than simply being thrust into the action without adequate readiness.
Green commented,
“We have a lot of hopes for him… when he gets his opportunity, we want him to be ready for it.”
Whether he is geared up for an immediate NHL role is uncertain, as some players indeed excel at the highest level compared to their AHL performances. The forthcoming trade deadline will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining Yakemchuk’s timeline for a potential debut, and given the Senators’ current playoff pursuit, the risks associated with introducing a rookie into such high-stakes games must be carefully considered.
Steve Warne from The Hockey News
