Sabres Lose Veteran Carrick to Injury, Senators' Yakemchuk Suffers Setback

Playoff-bound Sabres and Senators face roster challenges as season winds down

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:43am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game or match, with the players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, creating a fragmented, multi-perspective visual representation of the action.As the NHL playoff race intensifies, two teams face roster challenges due to unexpected injuries, testing their resilience and adaptability.Ottawa Today

The NHL's playoff race has been rocked by a pair of significant injuries. The Buffalo Sabres have lost veteran forward Sam Carrick to an unfortunate injury, dealing a potential blow to their postseason aspirations. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators' rising star Carter Yakemchuk has also suffered a setback, raising concerns about the team's defensive depth.

Why it matters

These injuries highlight the physical toll of professional hockey and the challenges teams face in maintaining momentum during the crucial final stretch of the regular season. The Sabres and Senators must now navigate roster changes and adapt their strategies to overcome these setbacks and secure playoff spots.

The details

Sam Carrick, acquired by the Sabres from the Rangers, had been a key contributor, providing both offensive production and veteran leadership. His five goals in 12 games were a testament to his impact. However, Carrick suffered an injury while defending a teammate, raising questions about the Sabres' depth and ability to maintain their playoff push without his presence. In a separate incident, the Senators' promising young defenseman Carter Yakemchuk sustained a head injury in his NHL debut, just a week after making his highly anticipated debut. Yakemchuk's absence could significantly impact the Senators' playoff aspirations, as they were already missing Jake Sanderson.

  • Carrick's injury occurred in a recent game, with just seven regular-season games left for the Sabres.
  • Yakemchuk was injured in his NHL debut, which took place just a week ago.

The players

Sam Carrick

A veteran forward acquired by the Buffalo Sabres, who has been a key contributor to the team's playoff push with five goals in 12 games.

Carter Yakemchuk

A rising star defenseman for the Ottawa Senators, who suffered a head injury in his NHL debut just a week after making his highly anticipated debut.

Craig Berube

The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, whose future with the team is uncertain following the firing of General Manager Brad Treliving.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These injuries underscore the physical toll of professional hockey and the challenges teams face in maintaining momentum during the crucial final stretch of the regular season. The Sabres and Senators must now navigate roster changes and adapt their strategies to overcome these setbacks and secure playoff spots.