The Ottawa Senators made a major roster move on Sunday, following their 2-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of their first-round series in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
With the Belleville Senators' season officially over, the big club has recalled six players from their AHL affiliate: Tyler Boucher, Xavier Bourgault, Graeme Clark, Arthur Kaliyev, Oskar Pettersson, and Carter Yakemchuk.
ROSTER UPDATE: Boucher, Bourgault, Clarke, Kaliyev, Pettersson, and Yakemchuk have been recalled from the @BellevilleSens: https://t.co/9vBk4yyeKz
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) April 19, 2026
MISE À JOUR: Boucher, Bourgault, Clarke, Kaliyev, Pettersson et Yakemchuk ont été rappelés des @BellevilleSens:… pic.twitter.com/QZQWC6wNRc
Belleville played the final game of their season on Saturday night, dropping a 4-0 decision to the Syracuse Crunch. Unfortunately, the Senators’ AHL affiliate ended their season in last place in the North Division. Their 28-35-8-1 record was good enough for 65 points.
These recalls are likely injury insurance should someone go down with an injury. According to PuckPedia, only Yakemchuk was added to the active roster. It’s worth noting that these players won’t count towards the cap unless added to the active roster.
Beyond adding depth, the Senators would like to give some of their top AHL players the experience of being in the NHL postseason atmosphere. Again, they might not play any games, but they should at least get a taste of what it’s like to be with the main club.
Could Senators give Yakemchuk the nod?
As for Yakemchuk, the 20-year-old might get a look in the NHL postseason. The former seventh-overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft is among the Senators’ top prospects. As such, the club would be willing to give him some playing time this postseason.
Of course, that situation depends on how things go. The Senators are still very much in their series against the Hurricanes. But time may run out if they fall 2-0.
With Artem Zub potentially missing time after leaving Saturday’s game, Yakemchuk may get a shot. Bringing Yakemchuk into the fold could help offset the loss of Zub. Otherwise, Yakemchuk may draw in place of Nikolas Matinpalo on the third pairing.
It’s worth pointing out that Yakemchuk scored 10 goals and 40 points in 54 AHL games. He added a goal and an assist in four NHL games this season.
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