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

[hypereconomist]

I mean but half assing it is part of why he probably wouldn’t have done well in the AHL this year. You can’t just decide to turn it on in pros as a teenager unless you’re a McDavid type. You’ll get spit out quickly.

Yakemchuk was putting in a good effort earlier in the season when he was "the guy" and the Hitmen literally couldn't win without him doing everything. The Hitmen defense is stacked now and Yaks' drop in effort coincides with the Hitmen bringing in Sawyer Mynio.

This isn't a good sign, but it shouldn't be concerning unless he carries this effort level into playoffs.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

 

[2Mototik2]

I’ll come in as the Hitmen fan and say he wasn’t really the same dominating presence this season that he was last and it was noticeable well before Mynio arrived. They also haven’t been relying on him to win games at any point this year nearly as much as they did last year and he’s probably even fourth or fifth banana on the Hitmen.

Maybe it’s some level of disinterest after his Sens training camp experience and then not even getting invited to the World Junior Camp, maybe it’s the fact that the Hitmen are an improved team this year and he doesn’t have to do as much, maybe it’s a combo of all those. Regardless, I hope he finds another level in the playoffs.

An additional thing to consider is that the Hitmen have an entirely new coaching staff this year which has coincided with point totals from defenceman being down compared to last season. Admittedly, I don’t have the eye to really notice how their strategy functions but I can’t see it as being only a coincidence.

The Hitmen had eight defencemen play regular enough time this season;

• two rookies in Axel Hurtig and Hunter Aura
• four Hitmen returners in Yakemchuk, Dax Williams, Wyatt Pisarczyk, and Reese Hamilton before he was traded
• two veteran trade acquisitions in Mynio and Kalem Parker

Of the six non-rookies, none had a higher point total than last year with only Williams having the same amount of points.

Caveat being that Mynio's PPG is higher but he played less games. However his PPG, and Parker's, dropped after joining the Hitmen. That, along with Yakemchuk’s numbers, could partially be attributed to being on a better team and slotting into different roles, which I think Parker was impacted by this a lot because he basically went from a #1 to a #3-4, but it's still something to note.

It did seem like a lot of times last season that the gameplan from then-head coach Steve Hamilton was, to steal from football, “F-it, Yakemchuk out there somewhere” for better or for worse. Also, not that I’ve seen any Everett games, but I think might have had some impact on Dupont’s totals this year because Everett hired Hamilton after the Hitmen fired him.

Yeah, it’s been a bit of a disappointing year for him compared to last year but I think that at least sheds some light on the point production.

 

[majormajor]

I’ll come in as the Hitmen fan and say he wasn’t really the same dominating presence this season that he was last and it was noticeable well before Mynio arrived. They also haven’t been relying on him to win games at any point this year nearly as much as they did last year and he’s probably even fourth or fifth banana on the Hitmen.

Maybe it’s some level of disinterest after his Sens training camp experience and then not even getting invited to the World Junior Camp, maybe it’s the fact that the Hitmen are an improved team this year and he doesn’t have to do as much, maybe it’s a combo of all those. Regardless, I hope he finds another level in the playoffs.

An additional thing to consider is that the Hitmen have an entirely new coaching staff this year which has coincided with point totals from defenceman being down compared to last season. Admittedly, I don’t have the eye to really notice how their strategy functions but I can’t see it as being only a coincidence.

The Hitmen had eight defencemen play regular enough time this season;

• two rookies in Axel Hurtig and Hunter Aura
• four Hitmen returners in Yakemchuk, Dax Williams, Wyatt Pisarczyk, and Reese Hamilton before he was traded
• two veteran trade acquisitions in Mynio and Kalem Parker

Of the six non-rookies, none had a higher point total than last year with only Williams having the same amount of points.

Caveat being that Mynio's PPG is higher but he played less games. However his PPG, and Parker's, dropped after joining the Hitmen. That, along with Yakemchuk’s numbers, could partially be attributed to being on a better team and slotting into different roles, which I think Parker was impacted by this a lot because he basically went from a #1 to a #3-4, but it's still something to note.

It did seem like a lot of times last season that the gameplan from then-head coach Steve Hamilton was, to steal from football, “F-it, Yakemchuk out there somewhere” for better or for worse. Also, not that I’ve seen any Everett games, but I think might have had some impact on Dupont’s totals this year because Everett hired Hamilton after the Hitmen fired him.

Yeah, it’s been a bit of a disappointing year for him compared to last year but I think that at least sheds some light on the point production.

Any thoughts on his skating pivots or his defending?

I thought last year that he would probably be a better defender if he was tasked with staying back, it was just not his role on that team. Has he looked better at it? Has his disinterest included that aspect of the game?

It's not hard to imagine that Yak plays best with high intensity and keeping him in juniors for a fourth year isn't going to bring out the best in him.

 

[Hale The Villain]

Shouldn't shock anyone that his numbers dropped when he wasn't able to play as a rover.

His highlight reel is extremely impressive, but you'll notice a lot of his production in his draft year involved him constantly jumping down low, dominating along the wall with his size and pulling off impressive dekes on opposing defensemen. Not a recipe for success at the pro level, but it can work at the junior level, provided his team was fine with the lack of defense that comes with playing like that.

When he is forced to play his position and make plays from the point, he's not nearly as effective. He's got a booming shot and can score from the blueline, but can struggle getting the puck through due to only having decent/average hockey IQ and below average quickness, which limits his ability to open up shooting lanes consistently. He's also not a great playmaker. Good breakout pass but doesn't spot teammates enough in the offensive zone and doesn't make the kind of smart passing plays that high-end offensive defensemen in the NHL routinely utilize.

It sounds crazy, but honestly his skillset is kind of wasted as a defenseman. His skillset screams top 6 powerforward. I guess worst case scenario if he struggles to defend at the pro level the Sens could pull a Byfuglien/Burns and give him a shot up front. Think he could do a ton of damage there.

 

[Juxtaposer]

The disparity in opinion between "too good for the WHL" and "maybe the third or fourth best defenseman on his own WHL team" in this thread is absolutely wild.

 

[2Mototik2]

Any thoughts on his skating pivots or his defending?

I thought last year that he would probably be a better defender if he was tasked with staying back, it was just not his role on that team. Has he looked better at it? Has his disinterest included that aspect of the game?

It's not hard to imagine that Yak plays best with high intensity and keeping him in juniors for a fourth year isn't going to bring out the best in him.

I apologize but I'm not really the guy to ask about skating skill outside of the ends of the spectrum of "that guy is really fast" and "that guy is really not", and he's not at either end of the spectrum.

As for defence, I've noticed that he's quite good with his reach and stick and being able to poke check away oncoming rushes pretty easily. I also haven't noticed him leaving his d-partner to face an odd-man rush nearly as often, if at all, because he was caught out of position, but I think the entire defence is better at that and I think it goes back to the coaching change.

In general though, I would say he does look better from the eye test but his general looking of disinterest and not playing up to expectations (not that strong defence is ever going to be his bread and butter) is also showing there.

The disparity in opinion between "too good for the WHL" and "maybe the third or fourth best defenseman on his own WHL team" in this thread is absolutely wild.

If you're basing that off my banana comment, him being the third or fourth best defenceman on the team was not what I was trying to get across. I was trying to say his relative importance to the team this season, across all players in all positions, going into the playoffs. He's definitely behind forwards Oliver Tulk and Ben Kindel and goalie Daniel Hauser with Yak, Mynio, Tanner Howe and Carson Wetsch kind of rotating in the 4-5 spots on a nightly basis.

Like the way he's played this season, he's not going to be the reason the Hitmen win the championships but him not showing up in the way he can could be a reason they lose, if that makes sense.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

This stuff happens like once a year around the NHL where a player is sent back to junior who could’ve played in the NHL and they under deliver because the motivation appears to be lacking.

It’s not to say it’s never a problem, but usually it’s over discussed.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

This stuff happens like once a year around the NHL where a player is sent back to junior who could’ve played in the NHL and they under deliver because the motivation appears to be lacking.

It’s not to say it’s never a problem, but usually it’s over discussed.

Happened to Othmann in his D+2. Dominated the O in his D+1, sent back for his D+2, production regressed.

 

[Juxtaposer]

I apologize but I'm not really the guy to ask about skating skill outside of the ends of the spectrum of "that guy is really fast" and "that guy is really not", and he's not at either end of the spectrum.

As for defence, I've noticed that he's quite good with his reach and stick and being able to poke check away oncoming rushes pretty easily. I also haven't noticed him leaving his d-partner to face an odd-man rush nearly as often, if at all, because he was caught out of position, but I think the entire defence is better at that and I think it goes back to the coaching change.

In general though, I would say he does look better from the eye test but his general looking of disinterest and not playing up to expectations (not that strong defence is ever going to be his bread and butter) is also showing there.



If you're basing that off my banana comment, him being the third or fourth best defenceman on the team was not what I was trying to get across. I was trying to say his relative importance to the team this season, across all players in all positions, going into the playoffs. He's definitely behind forwards Oliver Tulk and Ben Kindel and goalie Daniel Hauser with Yak, Mynio, Tanner Howe and Carson Wetsch kind of rotating in the 4-5 spots on a nightly basis.

Like the way he's played this season, he's not going to be the reason the Hitmen win the championships but him not showing up in the way he can could be a reason they lose, if that makes sense.

Appreciate the clarification. Still, my point is just that people in this thread have stated that he's too good for the WHL and that's why he isn't trying. I just think that's a ridiculous claim to make.

 

[Rufus T Firefly]

The disparity in opinion between "too good for the WHL" and "maybe the third or fourth best defenseman on his own WHL team" in this thread is absolutely wild.

No comment on your opinion here, but I love the irony of you struggling with these two juxtaposing ideas given your username

 

[Garbageyuk]

I apologize but I'm not really the guy to ask about skating skill outside of the ends of the spectrum of "that guy is really fast" and "that guy is really not"

Gotta respect the honesty and humility here. This site needs more of this.

Edit: fresh af join date too. Don’t let this place corrupt you lmao

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

The fact Yakemchuk was 3rd on his team in PPG for the longest time definitely indicates that beyond lack of improvement, motivation issues, and all, coaching played a big factor. Every single Dman has had their points suffer on the Hitmen.

He's definitely had a disappointing season, but you never know what happens if he has legitimate structural professional coaching, along with the right partner. Maybe Yak is turned into a power forward, maybe he can still succeed as a top 4 RHD when paired with Chabot or Sanderson. Who knows. I do wish we went for Parekh ngl. Ultimately, I simply cannot see Yakemchuk being better than Dman picked below him in the top 15 range, outside of maybe Silayev. I still think his offensive skills are better in a structured environment than Dickinson. If nothing else, Yak's shot at least means he will be effective with the Sens PP.

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

Appreciate the clarification. Still, my point is just that people in this thread have stated that he's too good for the WHL and that's why he isn't trying. I just think that's a ridiculous claim to make.

And your argument for why it is ridiculous was a very blatant (to the point, I assumed, of being deliberate) misinterpretation of someone elses point.

I dont think hes too good for the WHL either, and even if he is that isnt a “good” reason for his seeming lack of progress, but you basically just did the flip version of what you are calling ridiculous - and seemingly with even less substantiation (somehow).

 

[Peasy]

I think people just put way to much stock in some NHL pre season games. I remember red wing fans sayin Danielson coulda made the roster to start the season after his D+1, hes in his D+2 now and still hasnt played an NHL game.

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

I think people just put way to much stock in some NHL pre season games. I remember red wing fans sayin Danielson coulda made the roster to start the season after his D+1, hes in his D+2 now and still hasnt played an NHL game.

Most Sens fans expect at least half a year in the AHL, and more unless he really thrives

 

[Hinterland]

I think people just put way to much stock in some NHL pre season games. I remember red wing fans sayin Danielson coulda made the roster to start the season after his D+1, hes in his D+2 now and still hasnt played an NHL game.

I'm not sure what you're trying to tell us here because this is pretty much always how it goes.

The kids making the NHL opening night roster in their D+1 season you can usually count on one hand...and even the majority of those who do make it don't get there because of their NHL team thinking that they're NHL ready. They get a look so their teams can figure out if they're better served playing NHL or major juniors. In an ideal world those kids would be able to play AHL but the reality is that they're not... which is why NHL teams are sometimes considering giving looks to kids who are clearly too good for major juniors. However, being AHL ready in your D+1 season doesn't automatically mean you're too good for the AHL just a season later and because AHL is now an option, you're of course still unlikely to play a lot of NHL in your D+2 season.

In Yakemchuk's case the Sens seriously considered giving Yakemchuk a look and while NHL preseason is nothing like NHL regular season Yakemchuk still dominated playing vs men. He didn't just play or stand out, he was actually dominant if not the best player on the ice.

 

[wetcoast]

The disparity in opinion between "too good for the WHL" and "maybe the third or fourth best defenseman on his own WHL team" in this thread is absolutely wild.

99% of the time the "he is too good for this league " narrative is just false.

 

[Sens in Process]

It was a disappointing season for Yakemchuk. I watched many games—almost all of them up to the 50-game mark—expecting a breakout that never materialized. He began strong, fueled by a good NHL training camp, but his offensive impact faded as the season progressed. I only caught the last 15 or so games sporadically, yet his offensive regression was quite noticeable. In my final viewings, he wasn’t firing as many one-timers, and his skillful, exciting plays to the net weren’t resulting in goals. There were stretches where he was snakebitten, unable to catch a lucky bounce. Still, that can’t fully explain his drop in production.


This shift really encapsulates his season: he makes a nice play, two Calgary players get their sticks on the puck in front of the net, but they can’t finish—he shows frustration and takes a penalty.


His skating is tough to evaluate because it’s inconsistent—not just from shift to shift, but sometimes ranging from good to awful within the same shift. On a brighter note, though, I believe his skating improved later in the season. He looked lighter on his feet, with better 360-degree mobility, but I’ll get a clearer read on it during the playoffs.

Calgary was one of the WHL’s best defensive teams, near the top of the league in goals and shots allowed. Their low goals-against total is especially impressive given their goaltending was brutal for the first 40 percent of the season. Yakemchuk played a role in this success. I have fewer concerns about his defense translating to the NHL. As has been noted, he’s actually quite good at fending off rushing attackers with his length and stick. I also think criticisms of his hockey IQ were vastly overblown leading up to the 2024 draft. That said, his declining offensive output is a concern.

I still love the player and think he be a good NHLer, with a chance of being a very good NHL player, but this season was frustrating to watch.

 

[LeProspector]

He shouldn’t have signed yet, as I believe the best course of action for him would have been he goes to the NCAA.

 

[BondraTime]

He shouldn’t have signed yet, as I believe the best course of action for him would have been he goes to the NCAA.

If he was 18 maybe, as a 19 year old he would just opt for the AHL next year, something a guy like Lindstrom, injuries notwithstanding, wasn’t able too

 

[zenator]

Yakemchuk could still become a decent NHLer. Or, maybe he'll never overcome his lead feet, and be a bottom pairing PP specialist at best? I'm also concerned that he isn't very athletic. Because he's big, strong, has great hands, and a cannon of a shot he could still become a useful NHLer, but there were better choices available.

At this point, Parekh would go way higher than Yak in a redraft, and was clearly who the Sens should have picked. Look at Lane Hudson, and the impact that type of player can have.

Sens haven't drafted well for 4-5 years, it's time for Staios to hire some more amateur scouts, and maybe a new Chief Scout. Hiring new pro scouts made a huge difference, as their FA signings and trades were way better than under Dorion.

 

[Peasy]

I'm not sure what you're trying to tell us here because this is pretty much always how it goes.

The kids making the NHL opening night roster in their D+1 season you can usually count on one hand...and even the majority of those who do make it don't get there because of their NHL team thinking that they're NHL ready. They get a look so their teams can figure out if they're better served playing NHL or major juniors. In an ideal world those kids would be able to play AHL but the reality is that they're not... which is why NHL teams are sometimes considering giving looks to kids who are clearly too good for major juniors. However, being AHL ready in your D+1 season doesn't automatically mean you're too good for the AHL just a season later and because AHL is now an option, you're of course still unlikely to play a lot of NHL in your D+2 season.

In Yakemchuk's case the Sens seriously considered giving Yakemchuk a look and while NHL preseason is nothing like NHL regular season Yakemchuk still dominated playing vs men. He didn't just play or stand out, he was actually dominant if not the best player on the ice.

I was just saying I've seen so many players dominate the pre-season just to flounder as soon as actual games start. I just think people put way to much stock on pre-season NHL games.

Like just look at this comment quoting a bunch of stuff people were saying about him just from some pre-season games.

Post in thread 'RD Carter Yakemchuk - Calgary Hitmen, WHL (2024, 7th, OTT)'

Oct 6, 2024

I don’t think I’ve seen anyone thinks he could be an instant star, just seeing deserves some games.

To be fair there are 3 posts on this page indicating otherwise before that poster poster and then a couple since then.

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

The things he needs to work on can just be obtained through coaching, experience and general maturity.

The things he’s elite at which are offensive IQ, hands and shot are all natural to him.

This guy just looks like a natural on offence. If the Sens don't keep him, they...

• wetcoast

I saw the same stuff go on with Danielson. Then this past pre-season Danielson had a way worse pre-season and you never saw the same type of chatter that went on during his D+1.

He will need at least 1 full year in the AHL still, yet there were people acting like he was practically NHL ready at the start of this year lol.

Always been a fan of Yak, and really interested to see how his career plays out. I just saw a lot of people having sky high expectations for him after the pre-season, but the main concerns on him pre draft still remain.

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

I was just saying I've seen so many players dominate the pre-season just to flounder as soon as actual games start. I just think people put way to much stock on pre-season NHL games.

Like just look at this comment quoting a bunch of stuff people were saying about him just from some pre-season games.

Post in thread 'RD Carter Yakemchuk - Calgary Hitmen, WHL (2024, 7th, OTT)'

Oct 6, 2024

I don’t think I’ve seen anyone thinks he could be an instant star, just seeing deserves some games.

To be fair there are 3 posts on this page indicating otherwise before that poster poster and then a couple since then.

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

The things he needs to work on can just be obtained through coaching, experience and general maturity.

The things he’s elite at which are offensive IQ, hands and shot are all natural to him.

This guy just looks like a natural on offence. If the Sens don't keep him, they...

• wetcoast

I saw the same stuff go on with Danielson. Then this past pre-season Danielson had a way worse pre-season and you never saw the same type of chatter that went on during his D+1.

He will need at least 1 full year in the AHL still, yet there were people acting like he was practically NHL ready at the start of this year lol.

Always been a fan of Yak, and really interested to see how his career plays out. I just saw a lot of people having sky high expectations for him after the pre-season, but the main concerns on him pre draft still remain.

Tbf I think there's a big difference between someone in their D+1 being dominant in pre-season versus someone in their mid 20s.

 

[lakai17]

He's had hype even prior to his pre season stint which many don't realize because they don't follow the whl. Couch potato gm's already writing him off here unfortunately.