Utah HC Makes Decision on Former Oiler Kailer Yamamoto After Tryout
Photo credit: Daily Faceoff
Former Oilers first round pick Kailer Yamamoto has officially signed a contract with Utah HC after a tryout offer.
Yamamoto agreed to a one year, two-way contract with Utah. This means that while he did earn a contract to continue playing, it's not guaranteed he'll be in the NHL.
Yamamoto had a quality training camp and potted a few goals with Utah, but didn't quite do enough to earn a roster spot for opening night. Utah surprisingly has a deep forward group of young talent and a few veterans, so perhaps Yamamoto will be used as a call up for injury depth throughout the season. Signing a two-way deal though is a tough admission that he needs to work his way back into the NHL.
Drafted by the Oilers with the 22nd overall pick in 2017, the Oilers took a bet that the 5'8 forward who scored 100 points in Junior could translate his game to the pro level. Yamamoto had a few successful seasons with the Oilers before his career fell by the wayside a bit. Yamamoto scored 20 goals and 41 points in 2021-22, but was never able to consistently maintain that level of production. Without playing next to McDavid, it was hard for Yamamoto to be productive at all.
Last season was a rough year with the Seattle Kraken where he was a frequent scratch, and he only scored 8 goals and 16 points. His defensive and checking game isn't exactly Yamamoto's forte, either.
Oilers fans will be rooting for Yamamoto to pick his career back up and make his way back to the NHL. He's got a great opportunity with Utah, and he can earn a spot back with a new franchise with hard work.
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