September 24, 2026 • 9:03 PM EDT
Updated 3 hours ago
Carter Yakemchuk is the name everyone’s watching at the Senators’ training camp this year. With Ottawa’s defense short-handed thanks to Artem Zub’s continued rehab, there’s a real shot for a young rookie to make his mark and lock down a spot in the opening night lineup.
Yakemchuk impressed last spring, notching a goal and an assist in his NHL debut and then adding two more helpers in his first playoff appearance. That’s exactly the kind of start that gets management and fans paying attention. Offensively, there’s no doubt he brings some serious upside. The jump from sixth or seventh defenseman to top four is a steep one, especially for a 20-year-old, but the Senators’ current injury woes might force their hand. According to Yahoo Sports, Zub’s recovery from an injury suffered five months ago is still ongoing, and there’s uncertainty about when he’ll be ready to rejoin the team.
Here’s why this matters: after losing Nick Jensen in free agency, Ottawa was already light on the right side. Spence is expected to take one spot, but Yakemchuk and Nikolas Matinpalo are the main names left to fight for the other. Yakemchuk isn’t just there to fill minutes. At his age, he needs live NHL reps if he’s going to develop into a reliable top-four defender. Parking him in the press box does no favors for his growth.
The Sens, though, haven’t gotten a slam dunk answer from camp so far. Yakemchuk looks comfortable with the puck, but you can see he’s still catching up in his defensive reads and skating under pressure. The test got even tougher in a preseason game against Toronto, where Ottawa’s depleted defense meant Yakemchuk logged over 25 minutes against one of the NHL’s deepest forward groups. Ottawa ended up losing 6–1—a heavy result, but this one game isn’t the full picture. Evaluating a young defenseman demands patience and context.
- Carter Yakemchuk shines offensively but is still learning defensive nuances in the NHL.
- Artem Zub’s return remains uncertain, leaving a key spot open on right defense.
- Ottawa’s training camp tests Yakemchuk, Matinpalo, Stanley, Kyrou, Touré, and Crotty for blue line roles.
- Coach Travis Green prefers keeping defenders on their natural sides when possible.
- Zub’s absence could accelerate Yakemchuk’s development—or bring risk if he’s not ready for the jump.
Inside the Battle for Blue Line Depth
Yakemchuk’s high offensive ceiling draws attention. In his draft year with the Hitmen, he scored 30 goals and 71 points in 66 games, plus he’s not shy about using his size and shot. He could add a new threat to Ottawa’s power play. But the NHL isn’t just about scoring—especially for defensemen. If Yakemchuk isn’t quite ready, Ottawa will need a steady third-pair option behind Spence and Matinpalo, but options are thin. Hoyt Stanley’s dynamic play, Christian Kyrou’s puck-moving, the sheer size of Djibril Touré, and Cameron Crotty’s experience are all in the mix, but none are clear standouts for NHL minutes right now.
Why the Senators’ Approach Matters
Mixing development and immediate results is a balancing act. If Ottawa throws Yakemchuk into the fire too early, he could take some lumps, but the experience might be invaluable long term. On the other hand, they risk setbacks in his development or burning out a top prospect if he’s overwhelmed.
Even Tyler Kleven, who’s paired with Yakemchuk in preseason, noted that it takes time for any young player to adjust—and mistakes are part of the learning curve. The coaching staff’s decisions here won’t just affect this month, but could shape the blue line for years to come.
Key Takeaways for Bettors and Fans
- Ottawa’s defensive depth is being truly tested by Zub’s absence.
- Carter Yakemchuk has offensive upside but must prove NHL defensive reliability.
- The Senators lack clear, experienced replacements on the right side.
- Yakemchuk’s deployment affects Ottawa’s early results and his own long-term growth.
- The team’s approach could signal trust in youth or a need for trades or signings.
- Early season bets on Ottawa’s defense should note possible rookie mistakes and lineup experimentation.
- Team chemistry and defense pairs may shuffle in the opening weeks.
- Keep an eye on late training camp news for hints about opening night roles and pairings.
If you’re targeting early Sens games, consider that Ottawa’s blue line might be a work in progress. That could affect puck lines, total goals, and even player props, depending on how much leash the coaching staff gives its young guns.
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