What happened: Ottawa kept the No. 25 pick and selected Jonas Lagerberg Hoen ahead of Jaxon Carter Yakemchuk enters camp with another chance to claim full-time NHL work after two straight years among Ottawa's final cuts.
Why it matters: The draft decisions tie Ottawa's prospect pipeline to immediate roster competition ahead of the 2026-27 season. A downtown move hinges on planning, financing and site work at LeBreton Flats.
By the numbers: Yakemchuk appeared in five NHL games during 2025-26, including one playoff game. Construction of the proposed arena is expected to take 34 months once work begins.
What to watch: Training camp will test Yakemchuk's push for a permanent NHL role. Ottawa's next arena milestone is a firm construction timeline.