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OTTAWA — Carter Yakemchuk said he can picture his future with the Ottawa Senators.

Over the course of the next couple of years, the Senators’ No. 7 pick from the 2024 NHL Draft, an 18-year-old defenseman, aspires to secure a spot on the team. Additionally, he has a clear idea of who would be his ideal teammate.

“My dream partner would be Jake Sanderson, one day,” Yakemchuk said at Senators development camp last week. “That’d be a guy I could see myself playing with.”

Yakemchuk and Sanderson have a longstanding history together. They were raised in neighboring areas in Calgary, and their bond was further strengthened by the fact that Yakemchuk’s older brother was a teammate of Sanderson in minor hockey. Even today, their families maintain a strong and close relationship.

On paper, it is a logical choice as well. Yakemchuk is a right-handed shooter, while Sanderson is a lefty. Additionally, at just 22 years old, Sanderson is already known as one of the NHL’s quickest skaters and one of Ottawa’s most dependable defenders. This makes him an ideal mentor for Yakemchuk, who has expressed the need to enhance his footwork and defensive focus.

Yakemchuk’s natural talent lies in his offensive skills, as he effortlessly joins the attack, dissects the opposing team’s defensive strategies, and delivers powerful slap shots that frequently find the back of the net. Last season, he showcased his abilities by accumulating an impressive total of 71 points (30 goals, 41 assists) in just 66 games while playing for Calgary in the Western Hockey League.

In terms of scoring at his position, he ranked fifth in the WHL. This accomplishment puts him among the exclusive group of only 22 defensemen in the league’s history who have managed to score 30 goals in a single season.

Yakemchuk expressed that his offensive talent has been a part of him since his younger days. He has always enjoyed scoring goals and actively participating in the game.

I am a defensive player who brings an aggressive and intense approach to the game.

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Shean Donovan, the player development coach for Ottawa, was impressed by Yakemchuk’s offensive skills as he led Team Red to victory in the 3-on-3 tournament championship on the last day of the development camp.

“Clearly, he’s a highly talented child, laid-back, and a Western boy,” stated Donovan. “He’s a pleasure to collaborate with.”

Donovan says Yakemchuk reminds him of Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns; Yakemchuk himself looks up to Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. Senators general manager Steve Staios believes that “with the right time and effort and development,” Yakemchuk could reach a high ceiling.

“Carter has a lot of potential,” Staios expressed immediately after selecting Yakemchuk on June 28. “Although he is still developing his skills, we believe he possesses raw talent that shows promise. We were impressed with what we observed.”

During the second half of the WHL season, Staios observed Yakemchuk play and perceived him as a reserved individual with a subtle yet strong competitive drive, which is expected to amplify as he develops further.

Staios expressed, “I witnessed a player who exuded authority on the ice. Additionally, there is a certain aura surrounding him. We appreciate the opportunity to capitalize on his immense potential.”