The Ottawa Senators have restocked their prospect cupboards, addressing a lack of forward depth at the 2026 NHL Draft by selecting four wingers and a centre in the first three rounds. While high-ceiling picks like Jonas Lagerberg Hoen and Jaxon Cover need time to develop, the organization now boasts a balanced pool with promising talent across all positions.
Top-Level Prospects
These players are on a path to becoming impact players at the NHL level.
Carter Yakemchuk (D)
Yakemchuk is likely to shed the 'prospect' label later this year when he makes the NHL club out of camp. After finishing second in AHL rookie defencemen scoring in 2025-26 with 40 points (10 goals, 30 assists) in 54 games, his defensive game needs work—he posted the second-worst plus/minus in the league at minus-31. However, the Senators play a structured defensive system under coach Travis Green, which has improved the two-way game of offensive defencemen like Jordan Spence. Yakemchuk's confidence was evident in his NHL debut and first Stanley Cup playoff game, and it is in everyone's best interest for him to become a full-time NHLer by fall.
Logan Hensler (D)
Aside from Yakemchuk, Hensler is the only other true blue-chip prospect in the organization. The 19-year-old right-shot defenceman remains unsigned and is likely returning to Wisconsin for his junior NCAA season. Known for his mobile skating and ability to jump into the play, Hensler is developing a strong two-way game. In his sophomore season with the Badgers, he recorded eight points (three goals, five assists) in 15 NCAA games, and the team posted an 11-2-2 record with him in the lineup.
Forward Additions
The 2026 draft class injected much-needed forward depth. Jonas Lagerberg Hoen and Jaxon Cover were among the selections, though they are considered high-ceiling projects who will need time to develop before reaching the NHL. The Senators' prospect pool now features promising talent at all three positions, balancing the organization's future.
