It’s time for another round of NHL rumours as close the month of May. We’re days away from the start of the Stanley Cup Final, but there are plenty of teams making news. The Edmonton Oilers reached the second round, but the fan base is wanting more. General manager Ken Holland needs to make some roster moves to give Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl a shot at making a deep run. However, a forward that has played with both is likely to be gone. This edition of NHL rumours look at the Kailer Yamamoto future with the club.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumour
Kailer Yamamoto Future Likely Not in Edmonton
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Mark Spector said the Oilers are likely to move on from Yamamoto in the off-season. Former general manager Peter Chiarelli drafted the Spokane, Wash. native with the 22nd overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. The 24-year-old did have a 20-goal season in 2021-22, but has missed plenty of games due to injury.
Yamamoto makes $3.1 million per season, but is a restricted free agent. It’s likely that he won’t get a qualifying offer and he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. There’s no questioning the young forward’s heart because he’ll go into corners and fight for pucks. However, the lost games at that price is concerning.
What About the Kailer Yamamoto Future?
There will be a team that takes a chance on Yamamoto. However, he may not get to close to what he made with the Oilers. He may have to settle for a one or two-year prove it deal with a low-risk payout.
Yamamoto will do whatever it takes to help his team win. However, his offensive potential may not be what some forecasted. Maybe staying healthy and in the lineup would also help his cause.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
