Spotlight: Carter Yakemchuk
The Worm 2.0? by Trent Hess
Carter Yakemchuk is a name to remember as Utah eyes their first-ever NHL draft pick. At 6'3", this right-shot defenseman is a force to be reckoned with, known for his offensive prowess, physicality, and relentless aggression. He’s a throw-back in more ways than one. Not only does his physical aggression harken back to a more violent time in hockey history, but the the last draft-eligible WHL blueliner who scored 30 goals was Ian White 22 years ago. Yakemchuk's game is multifaceted: he plays heavy minutes, quarterbacks the power play, kills penalties, and never shies away from contact, scrums or fights. Despite concerns about his skating mechanics and his age being on the older side for his draft class, Yakemchuk’ s blend of skill and grit makes him a captivating prospect. But is he the right fit for Utah’s inaugural draft choice? Let’s take a closer look.
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