Sens coach surprised Canada left Yakemchuk off WJHC roster
Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green was caught off guard by the fact that seventh overall pick Carter Yakemchuk wasn't named to Canada's selection camp roster for the world juniors.
"Obviously, not my area, but surprised, to say the least," Green said of the Senators prospect Tuesday. "Really surprised. I have not been as impressed with a young defenseman in a long, long time. There's always a few surprises whenever you talk about the world juniors.
"For me, personally, it doesn't deter what I think of him. I think he's a great young defenseman, and we're lucky to have him. A little bit surprised there's 10 guys better than him."
Yakemchuk has nine goals and 23 points in 20 WHL games this season with the Calgary Hitmen. This year's World Junior Championship is being held in Ottawa at the Canadian Tire Centre.
The 19-year-old was one of four top-10 picks from the 2024 draft left off Canada's roster, along with forwards Beckett Sennecke (third), Tij Iginla (sixth), and defenseman Zayne Parekh (ninth). Fourth overall pick Cayden Lindstrom was also omitted, but the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect is currently injured.
"We understand these are difficult decisions to make and worthy players often don't make the cut," Senators general manager Steve Staios said, according to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch. "However, it was peculiar that four players selected inside the top nine of this year's NHL draft were omitted from the camp roster.
"In our view, Carter is having a tremendous season and his ability to thrive under pressure is something we feel Team Canada could have benefitted from in a high-stakes tournament."
Yakemchuk isn't eligible to play in next year's tournament. Canada has to finalize its roster before the competition begins Dec. 26.
View Canada's 32-player selection camp roster here.