SENSNEWS

Following Belleville’s 6–2 win over the Laval Rocket, I had the chance to speak with Carter Yakemchuk about his season so far and what he’s learned while transitioning from junior hockey to the professional level.

A Quick Chat With Carter Yakemchuk

Although most of the attention surrounding the Ottawa Senators has been focused on their NHL roster and early-season struggles, one of the more intriguing storylines to follow lies within their prospect pool.

Through five games with Belleville this season, Yakemchuk has recorded a goal and an assist and is beginning to look much more comfortable in the AHL.

Carter Yakemchuk Scouting Report

Carter Yakemchuk AHL Game Report

Against Laval, Yakemchuk flashed the high-end offensive talent that made him the seventh overall pick of the Ottawa Senators.

One play in particular stood out — a power-play sequence where he was the last man back, calmly walked around a penalty killer, and created a prime scoring chance in the slot.

His hands and creativity have always been what separate him from other prospects with his frame, and he showcased that again in this game. With a bit more puck luck, it easily could have been a two- or three-point night for him.

It’s also worth noting that this was Belleville’s first win of the season, as they’ve stumbled out of the gate. Still, their roster is far stronger than their early record suggests.

As the group finds more chemistry and consistency, Yakemchuk should continue to thrive alongside them.

What impressed me most, however, was Yakemchuk’s play on the defensive side of the puck.

Everyone knows the offensive upside is there — and will translate to the NHL level — but Ottawa’s management has been focused on seeing growth in his two-way game.

In this outing, he certainly delivered, showing real commitment to playing responsibly at both ends of the ice and holding his own against a talented Laval lineup. There’s little doubt he’ll continue refining that part of his game as the season progresses.

Carter Yakemchuk Quotes

When asked about how Yakemchuk has found the transition from junior to pro hockey so far, he said the following:

“It’s been good, the guys here have been great to me, so it’s been an easy transition. So ya, it’s been a lot of fun.”

Carter Yakemchuk

Following this, I asked Yakemchuk about one area of the pro game he has found to be the biggest difference so far compared to his junior days.

“Probably just playing against men. It’s a heavy game, the guys are bigger, faster so that takes some adjusting to get used to it.”

Carter Yakemchuk

As a prospect in junior, Yakemchuk was known for his physicality — the perfect combination of skill and aggression that made the Senators fall in love with him at the draft.

In this game against Laval, Yakemchuk showed some of that same physicality from his days in Calgary.

When asked about the type of player he sees himself as, he had this to say:

“Ya, I think I’d say I’m more on the offensive side. But I’m just trying to round out my game in all aspects, trying to make plays defensively. It’s a work in progress for me, but I think it’s coming here. But I think the offensive side of it, that’s always been my strong suit.”

Carter Yakemchuk

By all accounts, this is the primary goal the Senators have set for Yakemchuk this season. We’ve seen his offence with Ottawa in the preseason, and now it’s all about ensuring he can excel at the other end of the ice as well.

It’s the AHL, and obviously the competition will be tougher at the NHL level, but there’s been a clear improvement from Yakemchuk in his own end.

That said, it’s important to note he hasn’t sacrificed his creativity or ability to jump into the rush.

On multiple occasions, Yakemchuk joined his teammates on odd-man rushes, yet I can’t recall him getting caught up ice and giving Laval a chance the other way.

This is the version of Carter Yakemchuk that Steve Staios will be hoping to see in the NHL one day. He still needs some seasoning, but the signs of his game rounding out are already starting to show.

Finally, I asked Yakemchuk about his experience being around NHL veterans — particularly captain Brady Tkachuk. Below are some of his thoughts and takeaways from that experience, which he’s brought with him to Belleville.

“I think that every single guy that plays in the NHL, just how hard they work every single day. It’s not easy to get there, and to play there, so thats my goal. At the end of the day I want to be in the NHL, so it’s about taking all the little tips they gave me when I was up there for the pre season and trying to apply them to my game.”

Carter Yakemchuk

Carter Yakemchuk is going to be a huge piece of the Belleville Senators for this season. The offence is really starting to show itself, and the strides in his defensive game have been noticeable already.

As he becomes more and more confident, and the Senators continue to gel as a team, we should see his numbers climb. So get excited Ottawa, because Carter Yakemchuk is coming.