Top Senators Prospect Reportedly Set to Join Team for Playoff Push

According to a report from Julian McKenzie of 'The Athletic', defenseman Carter Yakemchuk is headed to Ottawa ahead of Game 3.

Yakemchuk was Ottawa's first round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, seventh overall.

The 19-year-old had 17 goals and 49 points in 56 points this season in the Western Hockey League with the Calgary Hitmen who were eliminated from the WHL playoffs in the second round by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, who employ Leafs prospect Noah Chadwick coincidentally.

Yakemchuk led the Hitmen in defensemen scoring in the playoffs with seven points in 11 games played.

According to McKenzie, Yakemchuk is to be registered on Friday, meaning if he were to appear for Ottawa in the playoffs, it would be after game 3 tonight.

Carter Yakemchuk could be ready for NHL action as early as Game 4, setting up Yakemchuk for maximum intensity if Ottawa were to lose their third game vs. Toronto, setting the youngster up to draw into a potential elimination game at home.

Yakemchuk has been a highly respected prospect amongst the Senators brass.

Having nearly made the roster back in September after a strong preseason effort, he has continued to impress in the WHL despite a lack of offensive production, which plagued most of the Hitmen's roster, especially on defense.

Toronto took a 2-0 series lead at home, and now in Ottawa have the chance to further cement their lead with a statement win on the road.

Sens reporter Bruce Garrioch stated previously that Yakemchuk was expected to join Ottawa's AHL affiliate in Laval for their playoff run, but have since been eliminated.

Garrioch said that Yakemchuk would most likely play in the case of injury, a call-up more the chance to have him around the team.

Yakemchuk, who will be in attendance for Game 3, could suit in at D for Nick Jensen who has been dealing with injury issues that have left him out of practice but is still expected to play.

The Ottawa Senators do not have any public injury concerns, but if so, may call in their top prospect to make his NHL debut in what may be the most intense debut he could make.

The Ottawa Senators do not at this time have any players listed as out that played in Ottawa's game 2 for Toronto, although once again Jensen did not practice for the team, still expected to be active tonight.

But either way, Yakemchuk is getting his first taste of the Battle of Ontario, and he must be thrown into the fire faster than he thought.