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Kailer Yamamoto: Long Term Option or Trade Chip? |
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Kailer Yamamoto represented a shift in thinking for the Oilers when they drafted him 22nd overall in 2017. The 5"8 155lb forward certainly didn't appear built for the NHL but he was the most skilled player available. For too long the Oilers would avoid players like that, instead opting for someone with more physical capabilities. The NHL is moving towards a more skill game where size matters not. Just take a look at what Cole Caufield has been doing for Montreal; another player who fell in the draft because of his size.
Fast forward to the present and Yamamoto has carved out a good spot for the Edmonton Oilers. The right winger has 20 goals and 52 points in 105 NHL games. In addition to his playmaking ability, Yamamoto brings a surprising amount of grit and toughness to the team. He isn't afraid to go into the tough areas and more often than naught he comes out with the puck.
Yamamoto is an RFA and should be signed by the Oilers for less than 2 million a season. There is huge value there to the organization who needs good players on cheaper deals. The biggest question mark for Yamamoto is whether he is a top six player or a really good top nine option. Yamamoto's biggest negative is that he isn't a shooter. Last season Yamamoto scored 11 goals on 44 shots, a 25% Sh%. In 52 games this year Yamamoto registered 69 shots, averaging less than 2 a game and his goal totals dipped as a result to 8.
Holland and the Oilers are faced with a decision. If they keep Yamamoto they have a young very good player under contract that can slide around the lineup. Alternatively he may be at his highest value now for a trade. All around the league teams are struggling to get under the cap and need to move good players for cheaper options. Take Tampa for example, they would likely love to have an option like Yamamoto and be willing to move the likes of Palat, Killorn, or Gourde to do so. Edmonton has plenty of cap space this summer and they need to be competing for Cups now.
One deal that stands out to me is when the Oilers moved Magnus Paajarvi. Then GM Craig MacTavish dealt Paajarvi who was just coming off a 9 goals and 16 points in 42 game season to the Blues for David Perron. It was example of dealing youth for proven talent.
Yamamoto could be a key piece of this roster for years to come and I don't necessarily think Holland should try to be actively shopping him but if a deal presents itself than I think the Oilers need to consider it.
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Quick side note I am currently on vacation and will likely be away from a computer for the most part. If any big news breaks I will post something or leave you all a few thoughts while drinking beer on a lake. Don't miss me too much.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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