Ottawa Senators Sign Top Prospect Carter Yakemchuk

The Ottawa Senators have made a major move, as they have signed top prospect Carter Yakemchuk to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Yakemchuk was selected by the Senators with the seventh overall pick of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-3, right-shot defenseman is expected to become a high-impact defenseman, which is certainly something that the Senators need on their right side.

Yakemchuk, 18, spent this past season in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Calgary Hitmen, where he had an outstanding season. In 66 games with the WHL squad, he posted new career highs with 30 goals, 41 assists, and 71 points. While he was dominant offensively, he also played a steady defensive game and provided plenty of physicality. Because of this, when he was still available at the seventh overall spot, the Senators immediately scooped him up.

After earning this nice entry-level deal, Yakemchuk will look to continue developing in the right direction. With a strong training camp, he could certainly make a case for himself on the Senators' NHL roster, but it seems likely that the Sens will let him develop his game in the WHL for one more year before making him a pro.

It will now be interesting to see what kind of season the young defenseman puts together in 2024-25 after earning his ELC from here.