Edmonton Oilers first round pick may be done in the NHL after getting no offers
This afternoon there is growing concern that a former first-round pick might have to abandon playing hockey in North America due to a lack of interest.
The NHL offseason is the beginning of a career for many young stars in the NHL. It can also be the end of the journey for a player who once was looked at as a promising young talent. This summer that could be the case for former Edmonton Oilers top prospect Kailer Yamamoto.
Kailer Yamamoto was selected in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. At just 5'8 he was one of the first forwards in a trend of undersized players being selected highly. He would make his NHL debut the season after being drafted playing 9 games and tallying 3 points. This immediate success provided a ton of hope he would be a part of the Oilers core star group.
The following 5 seasons Kailer Yamamoto failed to separate himself as an offensive force in the NHL. His best season was in 2021-22 with 41 points but then regressed back down to 25 the next season. He was then released and signed by the Seattle Kraken.
After one season in Seattle where Kailer Yamamoto played 59 games and had 16 points, he is now once again looking for a new home. Now there is growing concern he could have to head to Europe.
Reports reveal Kailer Yamamoto's time in North America is in danger
With NHL training camp around the corner NHL teams are finalizing their rosters for the season. With that in mind Kailer Yamamoto has not found a home. Now sources are wondering if a Player Tryout Contract is on the horizon.
The problem for Kailer Yamamoto that could arise is his significant NHL experience. If he does not make an NHL club he would need to be one of 6 players on an AHL roster with over 260 games of NHL experience. This is a rule the NHL put in place to have the AHL be a development-focused league and not bogged down by veterans. However, it has become a hindrance for young talents like Kailer Yamamoto trying to get their career back on track.
With the option of a Player Tryout still on the table this is the best hope for Kailer Yamamoto to stick in North America. If not he could either hope an AHL team has a veteran spot open or head to Europe to continue his NHL career.
Source: Oilers Daily
Oilers first round pick has career in jeopardy with no interest in free agency
Oilers first round pick has career in jeopardy with no interest in free agency
Source: Hockey DB
Kailer Yamamoto Stats
Kailer Yamamoto Stats
| POLL | ||
AOÛT 7 | 126 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers first round pick may be done in the NHL after getting no offers Would you want your favorite team to sign Kailer Yamamoto for the 2024-25 NHL season? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 37.3 % |
| No | 79 | 62.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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