NHL Draft Diaries: Equipment Edition - Carter Yakemchuk

Carter Yakemchuk, the towering young prospect from Fort McMurray, Alberta, has taken the hockey world by storm with his remarkable journey from the northern town to becoming a top NHL prospect. Yamenchuk was selected 7th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, and his future looks promising. Standing 6'3" and weighing 203 pounds, he embodies the quintessential modern offensive defenseman and appears poised to bolster the Senators' blue line for years to come.

Yakemchuk's journey to the NHL draft has been nothing short of spectacular. Playing for the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL, he showcased his offensive prowess by averaging over a point per game last season. With 30 goals and 41 assists, totaling 71 points in 66 games, Yakemchuk demonstrated his ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the ice. His impressive stats underscore his reputation as an offensive defenseman, a note that is sure to be of interest to Ottawa Senators fans.

His performance caught the eye of scouts and experts, leading to his selection by the Sens. The team is optimistic about his potential to strengthen their defense. While only a few players make it to the NHL immediately following their draft year, the expectation is that Yakemchuk will return to the Calgary Hitmen for at least one more season. However, if he maintains his stellar performance, he might find himself donning the Senators' jersey sooner than anticipated.

Hockey equipment can often be a subtle indicator of a player's preferences and potential brand endorsements. Yakemchuk's setup might not excite the most passionate gear enthusiasts, but there are some details to note.

This past season, Yakemchuk predominantly used Bauer's Vapor HyperLite 2 stick and skates, a testament to his trust in Bauer's products. Bauer is a renowned name in the hockey world, known for its innovation and quality. Yakemchuk's choice of the Vapor HyperLite 2 model suggests a minor partnership or a strong personal preference, indicating his comfort and performance with Bauer's gear.

Due to the WHL's strict partnership with CCM, Yakemchuk's helmet, pants, and gloves were all CCM. This partnership is beyond individual players' control, ensuring uniformity across the league. Despite this, Yakemchuk's clear inclination toward Bauer equipment might hint at a potential future endorsement deal. Given his impressive performance and high draft selection, it wouldn't be surprising to see Bauer securing a more formal and lucrative partnership with him as he transitions to the NHL.

Yakemchuk's journey is just beginning. With his combination of size, skill, and offensive capability, he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Ottawa Senators. His impressive stats with the Calgary Hitmen and his Top-10 draft selection have set high expectations. If he continues to develop and perform at his current level, there's no doubt he'll soon make a significant impact in the NHL.

For now, Yakemchuk remains a promising prospect, one who has already started to turn heads with his play. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience, Senators fans eagerly await the day he steps onto the ice at the Canadian Tire Centre. With his talent and the right equipment in hand, Carter Yakemchuk is undoubtedly a name to watch in the coming years.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Kozub