Senators Consider Calling Up Top Prospect Carter Yakemchuk to NHL Roster

The Ottawa Senators are contemplating calling up top prospect Carter Yakemchuk, the 7th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, to the NHL roster. Despite a -24 rating and 19 points in 31 AHL games this season, some argue his defensive game might benefit more from NHL development, especially given Belleville's struggles defensively. Yakemchuk, an offensive defenseman, excels on the power play, ranking 8th in AHL power play assists among rookies despite missing 13 games due to injury. GM Steve Staios previously indicated Yakemchuk would likely have been called up already if not for his injury.