The Ottawa Senators have wasted no time setting up their top prospect with his entry-level contract.
GM Steve Staios announced today that the team has agreed to terms with defenceman Carter Yakemchuk on a three-year, entry-level contract. Yakemchuk was chosen seventh overall at this summer’s NHL Draft.
The Calgary native will be 19 next month and checks in a six-foot-three, 201 pounds. Yakemchuk spent the past three seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen. He had a phenomenal draft year, leading all WHL defencemen with 30 goals. He also posted 71 points for the Hitmen and ranked second overall in team scoring.
Yakemchuk also showed a bit of a chip on his shoulder, posting 120 penalty minutes, which these days will be welcomed in some quarters, while others might see it as a potential area that requires improvement.
“Carter has a bright future ahead of him,” said Staios. “He’s an offensively-gifted defenceman who’s competitive and who has an NHL-ready shot. With continued development, we expect him to become a key member of our defence corps for many years to come.”
Yakemchuk attended Canada’s National Junior Team Summer training camp last week as Hockey Canada prepares for the 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa this December.
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