What happened: Carter Yakemchuk, the Senators' seventh-overall pick in 2024, scored his first career NHL goal late in the third period of Ottawa's 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken on Nov. 4. The 18-year-old defenseman beat goaltender Joey Daccord at 17:12. His family was in attendance to celebrate the milestone.

Why it matters: Yakemchuk's goal offers hope for Ottawa's young defense, which has struggled for scoring punch historically, as the Senators sit 6-7-1 and chase a wild-card spot in the Atlantic Division. This debut production validates his high draft pedigree amid a competitive rookie class.

What to watch: Monitor Yakemchuk's ice time and production in Ottawa's next game vs. the Ducks on Nov. 6; watch Senators PP usage for more scoring chances.