Ottawa Senators Defenceman Jake Sanderson on Prospect Carter Yakemchuk: "You Would Think He's On Our Team, He Looks That Good"

It wasn't that long ago that Ottawa Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson walked the same path as Carter Yakemchuk. Sanderson was the top D in his draft year, going fifth overall to the Senators in 2020. Yakemchuk was the second defenceman off the board this year, chosen by the Senators seventh overall.

Sanderson is 22 and Yakemchuk will be 19 on Sunday. Within a few years, if all goes according to plan, that duo (Sanderchuk?) is tracking to be the foundation of Ottawa's blue line for a long time.

Whether other NHL markets are aware of it or not, Sanderson is already one of the game's best defencemen, and still hasn't hit his prime as he enters his third season in the league. Sanderson admires the way Yakemchuk is dealing with his first camp and all the hype of being a top draft pick.

"Honestly, he's approaching it really well," Sanderson told the media on Tuesday. "He's a quieter kid off the ice, but he's very confident. On the ice, he's not shaky at all for a young guy. You would think he's on our team (already). He looks that good – big body, skates really well – so he's fun to watch."

Sanderson was in fan mode on Sunday night, keeping an eye on the Sens' first preseason game. He lauded the secondary scoring after forward Jan Jenik and Cole Reinhardt each had four points.

"Yeah, I watched the whole game," Sanderson said. "Crazy game. Good for the boys to get one there... Credit that fourth line, played really well, the third and fourth line. It just shows how important depth is in this league."

As for Yakemchuk's winning goal in overtime on a 1 on 2 rush, Sanderson hadn't had a chance to talk to him about it yet, but he was impressed.

"Oh, that was nasty. I haven't seen him yet, but that was a sick goal... It just shows his confidence level. He looks really good."

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