Carter Yakemchuk’s dance card at the 2024 NHL Scouting Combine was nearly full, as the 18-year-old defenseman met with 23 teams last week in Buffalo ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft. As expected, the Buffalo Sabres were one of the teams who met with Yakemchuk, who could be available if Buffalo elects to keep and use its 11th-overall selection later this month.
Yakemchuk, who had a breakout offensive season from the blueline with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, has been ranked anywhere from #5 to #25, depending on who you ask. NHL Central Scouting ranked him #11 among North American skaters. The unpredictability of this year’s draft class means there’s no consensus as to who will get picked second overall, let alone in the subsequent selections.
Yakemchuk said he met with the Sabres last week while in town for the NHL Scouting Combine, and that interview was similar to many others he faced. He also noted that this past week’s interviews went well overall, partly because he’s already been meeting with teams throughout the season since September.
“Lots of questions about my family and where I come from, some about hockey as well,” he said, calling his interview with the Sabres a “really good” one. As for the infamous Montreal question that asks what animal a prospect considers himself, Yakemchuk said he’s a crocodile on the ice, and a monkey off the ice.
Yakemchuk, a right-handed defenseman, stood out partly due to his offense and his ability to play a physical game this past season. He set career highs in goals (30), assists (41) and points (71), leading all Western Hockey League defensemen in scoring.
His size also stands out, at 6’3″ and 202 pounds. Although he’s still growing into his size, he’s able to use his body to impact every area of the game. Aside from the offense, what stands out most about his draft-eligible season are the penalty minutes: 120, nearly quadruple what he received in the previous season. Some consider him one of the hardest players in this draft class to play against.
“I always play with a little bit of grit in my game and that’s something like I did a lot this season so I was pretty happy to be recognized,” he said.
How those minutes break down:
- Game misconduct: 1 infraction
- 10-minute misconduct: 3 infractions
- Major, fighting: 5 infractions (25 minutes)
- Major, checking from behind: 1 infraction (5 minutes)
- Minor, roughing: 16 infractions (32 minutes)
- Minor, cross-checking: 10 infractions (20 minutes)
- Minor, interference: 4 infractions (8 minutes)
- Minor, holding: 2 infractions (4 minutes)
- Minor, unsportsmanlike conduct: 2 infractions (4 minutes)
- Minor, hooking: 2 infractions (4 minutes)
- Minor, closing hand on puck: 2 infractions (4 minutes)
- Minor, tripping: 2 infractions (4 minutes)
- Minor, delay of game: 1 infraction (2 minutes)
- Minor, high-sticking: 1 infraction (2 minutes)
- Minor, throwing the stick: 1 infraction (2 minutes)
- Minor, boarding: 1 infraction (2 minutes)
- Minor, embellishment: 1 infraction (2 minutes)
He said he tries to model his game after Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard, noting his shot and how he plays creatively in the offensive zone. (Bouchard had quite the offensive year, with career-highs across the board for 82 points, and was drafted 10th overall in 2018.)
Here’s what others have said about him:
“… can manipulate opponents, make plays with perfect timing, and create looks for his teammates with the threat of his shot every now and then. Constant rush activations and weak side sprints from the offensive blue line kept him involved in the play, creating a higher volume and better quality of looks than most defencemen can access.” -EliteProspects 2024 NHL Draft Guide
“…Big, daring offensive defenceman with great range and tools. Decision-making and habits are still quite raw, but has number 2/3 D and top power-play upside.” – DobberProspects
“… protects the puck well and moves through traffic consistently. His shot from the point is heavy and accurate, something that could become a major point of value on the power play. Though he isn’t the most agile skater, he moves well and shows tenacity at both ends of the ice that isn’t tangible but is definitely noticeable.” – The Hockey Writers
“… Carter can drive his teams’ offense as he distributes the puck well and creates scoring chances for teammates with his accurate and creative reads. In the defensive zone he can handle speed off the rush and win battles along boards and at the net front. Carter has an NHL tool set.” – NHL Central Scouting
Yakemchuk said he thinks he’s a couple of years away from being ready for the NHL, but obviously that decision will ultimately be made with whichever team drafts him later this month. Could that be the Buffalo Sabres?