Senator News & Rumors: The Rise of Yakemchuk, Giroux Re -Ups and Kaliyev Gamble – Hockey Writer – Ottawa Senator
As the Ottawa Senators prepare for the 2025-26 season, the team found themselves at a key point: balancing the development of young talents with senior actions that keep them competitive in the Atlantic Division. This offseason brings three key developments that could impact the tone of training camp and the season ahead, from potential defensive breakthroughs to a smart squad bet forward.
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The club’s top blue line prospect Carter Yakemchuk revolves around the biggest storyline, where they can prepare to grab a roster from the camp. Beyond that, Claude Giroux’s one-year extension ensures that the team retains veteran leadership without over-expanding resources. Finally, the Senator held a flyer on Arthur Kaliyev, a tall winger who was still trying to rediscover his game. Each move reflects a broader goal: to create internal competition, maintain flexibility and find value without sacrificing long-term potential.
Project 1: Is Carter Yakemchuk ready to intervene?
After his strong development in the Western Hockey League (WHL), there is growing belief that Yakemchuk can push the NHL roster this fall. The right-shooter has made great progress, especially in his defense. It was his full display during Ottawa’s 2024 development camp, where he stood out in the deep prospects.
Yakemchuk has long been touted for his offense rise, especially his hockey handling, shooting and skating abilities. However, what seems to change is his physical confidence and defensive positioning. He played for a long time last season with the Calgary Hitmen, using his 6-foot-3 body to beat the attackers and win the hockey battle.
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Ottawa’s right-side defense was not resolved and if Jacqueschuck performed well during training camp, a vacancy might be found. Even if he started with Senator Belleville, the team’s American Hockey League branch, he hoped he would be the first person to call, especially if Ottawa needed to inject more mobility and skills into the back end.
Project 2: Giroux Re-Ups: Veterans Value Betting
Claude Giroux is the Senator’s most important unrestricted free agent, who resigned him a few days before the free agent opened to his one-year contract extension.
Giroux initially joined the Senate on a three-year contract in the summer of 2022. Although he is 37 now and his stats are falling in Ottawa every season, he is still an integral part of the team’s forward team. He still scored 50 points last season and, despite being able to stay healthy at the age of his age, missed only one regular season game in the past three years. Additionally, Giroux is able to play in the center or wings, he offers some options for the team in the top 9.
A one-year deal is the best case for senators as it minimizes the risk of potential decline due to age. Plus, Giroux deals are cheaper than expected even with the bonus structure. If Giroux takes a step back next season, then the delay remains a huge win for Ottawa and he will likely provide excellent value for the price.
Project 3: Can Arthur Kaliyev break out in Ottawa?
The Senators also added Arthur Kaliyev to free agents as the forward did not receive a qualified offer from the New York Rangers. Kaliyev has been trading for a year and has received the league minimum wage.
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Just a few years ago, Kaliev was considered one of the highest prospects for the King of Los Angeles. He jumped to the NHL full time at the age of 20 and played 80 games with the Kings in the 2021-22 season. The following season, Kaliyev posted 13 goals and 28 points in 56 games, which were 19 goals and 41 points in 82 games.
However, Kaliyev lost in Los Angeles. His work dropped in 2023-24, and he only participated in 51 games that season. Then, last season, he was exempted and captured by the Rangers. However, even with the scenery changing, Kaliyev only played 14 games with New York.
Although Kaliyev has been working to establish himself as a regular NHLER, it is a low-risk, high-level (potential) move for the senator. The winger’s shots are great and show the potential for high-end production. Kaliyev may not have a place in the roster starting this season, but at the age of 24, he can still develop his own game.
What’s next for the Senator?
As the lineup is still grabbing, the training camp will become the verification site. Yakemchuk’s development will be closely watched, especially as the Senator tries to improve his right-side defense. The team will want to see if his defense and physical condition complements Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot’s hockey abilities. If Yakemchuk had impressed early on, it could have greatly changed Ottawa’s blue line makeup, which lacked consistency for much of last season.
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Meanwhile, Giroux’s leadership and versatility will once again rely on as Ottawa hopes to build cohesion in its top nine. And if Kaliyev catches fire at camp or early season games, the Senators may suddenly find themselves with almost nothing offensive contributors. Whether these bets pay off or not, the senator positioned himself as younger, deeper, more competitive, and thus entered a critical sport.
