RD Carter Yakemchuk - Calgary Hitmen, WHL (2024, 7th, OTT)

[majormajor]

Having said that, for such a passionate and brilliant high iQ player - Mark Stone, who is 6'3" with uncanny timing and the ability to get to the right spot - he is remarkably not physical. He could be 5'5" and it would make no difference at all in his game tbh. Maybe less solid on his stick, but more agile and light on his skates?

Yamerchuk is physical though, and in no way shy about contact. His size and strength is an asset. And he will be vvery hard to play against so long as he stays motivated.

Height is largely about reach, we don't talk about that enough. Whether you're willing to throw the body or not, you still have a huge advantage with a long reach. And Stone absolutely relies on it, his anticipation isn't going to get him the puck if it's a foot out of reach.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

I love how happy everyone is now with him and how sour I’m sure rival fans are with how good he has been when a few months ago many Sens fans were pissed off and rival fans were laughing when he was drafted.

Us posters that see WHL a lot knew how good of a player he was but many people just get caught up with all the random mock drafts online and feel at the time it was a reach taking him that high

 

[Fatass]

The kid looks like the best player on the ice for both clubs most nights.

 

[Samsquanch]

Height is largely about reach, we don't talk about that enough. Whether you're willing to throw the body or not, you still have a huge advantage with a long reach. And Stone absolutely relies on it, his anticipation isn't going to get him the puck if it's a foot out of reach.

I would agree but also add that being quicker (ie lighter) and faster on your feet, and all over the ice for that matter, would negate the reach factor overall if you are a supreme high IQ player.

Point being though is that Yamerchuck is a stronger man physically and more willing to engage than Stone ever was. Already. Not that they have a choppy stride, or have a short reach.

 

[WhataKnight]

He plays with some damned entertaining swagger.

 

[CanadienShark]

I love how happy everyone is now with him and how sour I’m sure rival fans are with how good he has been when a few months ago many Sens fans were pissed off and rival fans were laughing when he was drafted.

Us posters that see WHL a lot knew how good of a player he was but many people just get caught up with all the random mock drafts online and feel at the time it was a reach taking him that high

I felt he went a little high at the time. I had personally preferred Buium and Dickinson at #11 (assuming all 3 were available), but Yakemchuk is showing he was drafted at the right spot. He's got a lot of talent and has been really impressive.

 

[hotcabbagesoup]

He is really good with the puck, not flashy but those passes he makes are so good and easy to catch. Great placement, speed, everything feels so crisp. It's weird seeing it from a guy who's so big. Like watching a Thornton but on D.