Free extension for sports fans
Advertisement
Advertisement

Now That Everyone Is Healthy, Where Does Carter Yakemchuk Fit?

As the Senators' blue line returned to full strength, they placed (and lost) Cameron Crotty on waivers last week. Since then, Carter Yakemchuk, who's waivers-exempt, has been a healthy scratch for three straight games.

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 2:47 PM
Now That Everyone Is Healthy, Where Does Carter Yakemchuk Fit?
Key Things to Know
  • Pat Maguire argues Carter Yakemchuk should be sent to the AHL rather than sitting as a healthy scratch.
  • Ottawa's healthy top-four defense corps of Jake Sanderson, Artem Zub, and Thomas Chabot has pushed Yakemchuk out.
  • Yakemchuk was scratched for a third consecutive game during Ottawa's 6-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Pat Maguire of The Hockey News argues that Ottawa Senators rookie defenseman Carter Yakemchuk has fallen out of the lineup following the return of injured blueliners Jake Sanderson, Artem Zub, and Thomas Chabot. Head coach Travis Green has scratched Yakemchuk for three consecutive games, including a 6-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, leaving the 2024 seventh-overall pick sitting in the press box.

Maguire contends that playing limited third-pairing minutes does not suit Yakemchuk's offensive profile and risks harming his development. The writer suggests general manager Steve Staios and the Senators should send the waiver-exempt defenseman to the AHL's Belleville Senators to secure top-pairing minutes rather than keeping him as a reserve.

Advertisement

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.