Kailer Yamamoto and the Edmonton Oilers agree to a one-year contract
The Edmonton Oilers announced on Saturday that they’ve come to terms with Kailer Yamamoto on a one-year contract worth $1,175,000.
Y A M O
The #Oilers have agreed to terms with Kailer Yamamoto on a one-year contract extension with an AAV of $1.175 million. #LetsGoOilers
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 18, 2021
The Oilers drafted Yamamoto with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2017 draft. He had a nine-game cup of coffee in the NHL in 2017-18 but spent the majority of the season with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL. In 2018-19, Yamamoto played 17 games with the Oilers, recording just two points, but put up solid results as a rookie in the AHL.
He started the 2019-20 season in the AHL again but was called up in late December and didn’t look back. Yamamoto scored 26 points in 27 games playing on a very successful line with Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
There were high expectations for Yamamoto heading into 2021 based on that strong showing, but he didn’t take the step forward the Oilers hoped for. Yamamoto’s first full season in the NHL resulted in eight goals and 21 points over the course of 52 games.
This contract represents a show-me opportunity for Yamamoto. If he has a big season, he’ll be able to cash in next off-season as he’s set to become a restricted free agent again. This could be a challenge for the cap-strapped Oilers as another young winger, @Jesse Puljujarvi, will also be an RFA.