The 2024 NHL Draft stands out for the number of talented young defensemen available early in the first round. Among the top twelve picks, six were defensemen. The Ottawa Senators, picking seventh overall, had several options remaining on the board when they selected Carter Yakemchuk. He became the second defenseman drafted following Artyom Levshunov, chosen by the Chicago Blackhawks at second overall.
Expectations for Yakemchuk are high. Fans anticipate not just his arrival in the NHL, but his potential to become a top-four defenseman. The Senators are keen to avoid a situation where their seventh overall pick results in a player who might only serve as a bottom-pairing defenseman for years. Although Yakemchuk has been gaining experience with the Belleville Senators in the AHL, he has yet to receive a call-up to the NHL, having been a final cut in the past two training camps. Unfortunately, an injury has now derailed his development even further.
Comparison with Other Defensemen
Interestingly, three defensemen selected after Yakemchuk are already making an impact in the NHL. Notably, Zeev Buium has recorded 16 points in 32 games this season. In one of his first games, he made headlines by scoring two points as a Vancouver Canuck, showcasing his potential.
Historical Context: Senators’ First-Round Defensemen
Projecting Yakemchuk’s future within Ottawa’s unique history of drafting defensemen proves challenging. Here’s a quick overview of the Senators’ notable first-round defensemen in recent years:
| Year | Name | Overall Pick | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Bryan Berard | 1st | Did not play for the Senators; later had a notable career. |
| 1996 | Chris Phillips | 1st | Became the Senators’ all-time leader in games played. |
| 2000 | Anton Volchenkov | 21st | Spent seven seasons with the Senators. |
| 2004 | Andrej Meszaros | 23rd | Had a strong rookie season but was later traded. |
| 2005 | Brian Lee | 9th | Played parts of five seasons, eventually traded. |
| 2008 | Erik Karlsson | 15th | Three-time Norris Trophy winner with a rocky development path. |
| 2009 | Jared Cowen | 9th | Made the NHL but faced injury challenges early. |
| 2012 | Cody Ceci | 15th | Had a six-season tenure with Ottawa. |
| 2015 | Thomas Chabot | 18th | Became one of the top defensemen in the league. |
| 2019 | Lassi Thomson | 19th | Never established himself as a regular NHL player. |
| 2020 | Jake Sanderson | 5th | Now one of the best defensemen in the league. |
Conclusion
Yakemchuk’s situation reflects the uncertainty surrounding first-round defensemen. There are no guaranteed timelines or success formulas, especially within the Senators’ historical context. For dedicated fans, patience remains paramount as they await Yakemchuk’s growth and eventual arrival in the NHL.
