On the Verge Being Swept, the Senators Must Turn to Carter Yakemchuk – The Hockey Writers – Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators are down 0-3 in their first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes, and will be facing elimination on Saturday (Apr. 25). Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub, the Senators’ top pair, have been ruled out for Game 4, and with Thomas Chabot’s struggles, it is time to bring Carter Yakemchuk into the fold.

Yakemchuk has just four games of NHL experience, earning two points during his short stint at the end of the season. His run was cut short as he suffered a concussion, but was sent to the American Hockey League shortly after to wrap up the season.

He was recalled as an extra on the playoff roster, and it is time for the Senators to put him in a position to succeed.

Sanderson, Zub Both Ruled Out for Game 4 – “Next Man Up” Isn’t Enough

Just a few minutes into the second period of Game 3, Taylor Hall delivered a hard hit to Sanderson. While Hall did a good job keeping the elbow tucked, the principal point of contact was the head. There was a two-minute minor penalty given to Hall, and head coach Travis Green said he is “shocked” by the lack of disciplinary action from the league.

Sanderson played one more shift, nearly three minutes in length, and then pulled himself from the game. Green told reporters that Sanderson isn’t doing well right now, and wouldn’t be available for Game 4.

His presence on the blue line is unmatchable in the Senators’ defensive group. He plays in all situations, and is a dominant defenseman. He is great at shutting down plays, and very quickly starts a breakout.

The Senators’ power play has gone 0-for-12 through three games, and Sanderson is a big part of that group. He isn’t to blame for the lack of scoring, and they will be in a much worse situation with the man advantage without him.

As for Zub, after laying a heavy hit on Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis in Game 1, he left the game and is also set to miss Game 4.

When it comes to the available options, all three of Cameron Crotty, Dennis Gilbert, and Lassi Thomson have suited up for the Senators throughout the first three games of the series, and while they have played well based on expectations, it is time to bring in someone who can change the game.

Chabot Struggling on Power Play, Not Playing Strong Defensively

One thing about Chabot is that he always gives his best. There has never been a doubt about his work ethics, and it was a great story to see him return to action 17 days after breaking his arm. With that being said, whether it is the injury still affecting him, or something else, he hasn’t been good enough.

Since Sanderson joined the team and took over as the top defenseman, Chabot has been playing so much better. While he hasn’t had a concrete defense partner for multiple seasons, he always seems to make the most out of what he has.

Now that the Senators are in do-or-die territory, and Sanderson and Zub out of the lineup, Chabot is going to have to step up.

Through three games, Chabot has a minus-five rating, and has been on the ice for six of the Hurricanes’ seven goals. With that, and having no points in over 90 minutes of ice time, there is a problem.

It would be easy to use the microscope and criticize each play, but that isn’t going to be what solves the problem moving forward. There have been bad reads, losing his coverage in the defensive zone, and weak plays ending up as turnovers.

Since being drafted, Chabot looked like he would be a perfect fit on a top power play unit, but that isn’t the case.

Chabot doesn’t have a strong shot from the point, and he isn’t as good at keeping the puck in on the line, either. He can move the puck well, and makes smart plays, but he just isn’t suited for top power play minutes right now.

Yakemchuk Has Earned a Shot at Regular Minutes

Now, throwing a rookie into the group to save a season isn’t ideal, but Leevi Merilainen did it in 2024-25, who’s to say Yakemchuk can’t this year?

After posting an impressive 40 points in 54 AHL games this season, his offensive abilities are superb. The defensive side of the game is where there is some left to be desired. While it isn’t everything, Yakemchuk’s minus-31 rating on the season was the second-lowest in the entire league. Defense isn’t his strong suit, but it is a work in progress.

Offensively, which should be the primary role he would play, he may be the most talented option for the Senators. The puck-moving abilities and offensive vision matches that of Chabot, but one asset Yakemchuk brings that stands out is his shot. He scored 30 goals in one season in junior, and scored 10 as a pro rookie this season.

In a series where the Senators’ power play struggles to get the puck to the net, Yakemchuk’s shot would be a major asset.

With Zub still out of the lineup, and Thomson and Crotty already getting their chances, Green may opt to stick with one of them as they already have some playing action under their belt.

The timing of getting Yakemchuk a big opportunity isn’t ideal, on the verge of being swept, but at this point, it is necessary.