"This kid is gonna be a stud": NHL fans react as Carter Yakemchuk signs three-year contract with Senators

The Ottawa Senators have inked defenseman Carter Yakemchuk to a three-year entry-level contract on Tuesday. He was their top selection in the draft this year, being picked seventh overall. The 18-year-old was one of the youngest prospects and was the second defenseman taken overall.

Yakemchuk has already accumulated three seasons of junior hockey with the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen. Last year, he made the WHL’s Central Division First All-Star Team. The player led all defensive players in goals (30). He tallied 41 assists to equal 71 points in just 66 games.

NHL fans believe Yakemchuk might be a star in the making, and they're thrilled that the Senators have officially locked him down for the foreseeable future.

"This kid is gonna be a stud," a fan said.

"Let’s go! Get that kid to the CTC," one said.

"Still very happy with this pick, welcome Carter," another added.

Yakemchuk is young, but the future is bright in the eyes of hockey fans.

"Thank you admin, it’s been a rough day," one fan who was looking for good news said.

"How much grit can the Sens chuk chuk??" another added.

The deal's financial terms were not disclosed, but Yakemchuk is under contract until 2027.

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Senators GM speaks about Carter Yakemchuk

The Ottawa Senators like Carter Yakemchuk. He came in as the No. 13 overall prospect and was outside the top 10 on most big boards for the NHL draft. They opted not to try and trade back but rather pick him seventh overall.

Carter Yakemchuk was selected seventh overall (Imagn)

Senators' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios said via NHL.com:

“Carter has a bright future ahead of him. He’s an offensively-gifted defenceman who’s competitive and who has an NHL-ready shot. With continued development, we expect him to become a key member of our defence corps for many years to come.”

Scoring 30 goals as a defenseman is impressive no matter what the level of competition, and Yakemchuk could develop into a huge offensive threat on the back line for Ottawa.