Carter Yakemchuk

One of the most interesting right handed defenseman in the draft class, after potting 19 goals last season. He is a big tall aggressive force with a high skill level, and loves the puck on his stick in the offensive end. Plays with pace, and has puck-handling skill to beat forecheckers easily. Uses his feet aggressively on the attack. He forces the play in the offensive end, pinching down hard on the wall to apply pressure and maintain puck possession. Dances laterally on the blue line to gain separation and give himself space and time to find the shooting lanes. While his defensive game is a work in progress, he puts in a visible effort around the confines of his end. Possesses the physicality and effort to be effective defensively in his own end, and off the rush, but that's not his calling card. His occasional defensive lapses, and his occasional neutral zone stutter are all that is holding him back from being considered an elite prospect. His work level, size, and lateral movement are such that he projects as eventually being an asset in his own end also. He is electric and there seems to be a magnet that pulls him straight to the opposing net at all times he is has the puck on his stick. He is the closest thing this draft has to a gunslinger, and is in the running for the backliner who generates the most offense this season. He has elite offensive instincts that his skating, puck skills, and a lethal point shot allow him to make the most of.

                                                      --Bill Płaczek--