'He'll show us': Carter Yakemchuk, several others on bubble at Ottawa Senators training camp

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeOttawa SenatorsSportsHockeyNHL 'He'll show us': Carter Yakemchuk, several others on bubble at Ottawa Senators training camp The Sens will give the 20-year-old defenceman every chance to make the team. Camp gets underway for real on Thursday. Author of the article: By Callum Fraser Published Sep 16, 2026 5 minute read Join the conversation Ottawa Senators defenceman Carter Yakemchuk takes a shot during practice last season. Tony Caldwell/Postmedia Article content Don’t be fooled by the 22 NHL contracts on the books, there are roster spots to fight for at Ottawa Senators training camp. Article content If you signed the most lucrative deal in franchise history on Tuesday, then perhaps you have more leeway than others, but there is genuine pressure on depth players to come to camp fit and motivated to earn your jersey. Article content Article content It’s best to take coaches at their word when they repeat every September that there are no walk-ons. Article content Article content Carter Yakemchuk Article content Sports Get the latest sport headlines and breaking news. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Even before news broke that Artem Zub was questionable to start the season — he’s still rehabbing the injury sustained in Round 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes, but is skating — Carter Yakemchuk had an excellent chance to make the NHL club. Article content It was slightly odd to not see the 20-year-old defenceman at rookie camp — even the Toronto Maple Leafs brought No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna along for practices — but with his poise and confidence, he doesn’t need to be eased into main camp. Article content In both short stints with the Senators during 2025-26, Yakemchuk was impressive. His conviction with the puck in the offensive zone is only matched by Jake Sanderson, taking every inch the opposition offers and never passing up an opportunity to wire a shot with all of his might. Article content If Yakemchuk can prove he has made even minimal strides defensively and is committed to learning Green’s defensive systems, what could the American Hockey League possibly have to offer this time around for the Sens’ No. 1 prospect? Article content “When he left last year, there’s certain elements to his game…