Former Oilers first round draft pick connected to tryout contract with cup contender

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Liam McCormick
August 19, 2024 (6:22 PM)

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According to a new report from Shawn Hutcheon of the Fourth Period, former Oilers forward Kailer Yamamoto is being targeted by the Boston Bruins for a tryout contract.

Kailer Yamamoto was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers 22nd overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. Only 5'8» tall, Yamamoto scored at an incredible rate in Junior enough to warrant a call up straight to the NHL. After a few short stints with the Bakersfield Condors, Yamamoto became a full time Oiler in the 2020-21 season.

He had a few successful seasons, once scoring 20 goals and 41 points, which led the Oilers to offering him a two year contract at $3.1M. His scoring dried up the next season, and he struggled to provide anything else to the lineup. After being traded to the Detroit Red Wings, Yamamoto was bought out and signed by the Seattle Kraken last season for one year at only $1.5M.

Also of interest, former Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler could also be joining the Bruins on a PTO. The Bruins have some spaces available in their bottom six, and signing these players will create a real internal competition in training camp.

If Yamamoto signs a tryout contract with the Bruins, he'll be in a tough battle to earn himself a spot on the NHL roster at all. It's tough to see a player who once looked like he could have a successful career already struggling to stay in the league at only 25 years old. Oilers fans will certainly be cheering for him whenever he lands next season.