The Seattle Kraken have signed the Kailer Yamamoto deal. This contract is for one season and carries a cap hit of $1.5 million for the 2023-24 season. Yamamoto is a Spokane, Washington native and the deals allows him to come home. News of the new contract emerged on Sunday afternoon.
Back in his home state! 🏡
We’ve agreed to terms with forward & Spokane native Kailer Yamamoto (@kailer_yamamoto) on a one-year contract with a $1.5 mil AAV. pic.twitter.com/ifCD0sghkV
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) July 2, 2023
Seattle Kraken Ink Kailer Yamamoto Deal
Yamamoto has played only for the Edmonton Oilers during his six-year NHL career. The 24-year-old had 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 58 games last season. He had a Corsi for of 51.2 and a relative Corsi of -1.0. Edmonton originally drafted him in the first round, 22nd overall of the 2017 NHL Draft. He was traded to the Detroit Red Wings late last week along with Klim Kostin. However, Yamamoto was bought out by Detroit and he became a free agent.
The young forward has 50 goals and 68 assists for 118 points in 244 career games. His best season was when he got 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points in the 2021-22 season. He played his major junior hockey with the hometown Spokane Chiefs of the WHL. His best season with the Chiefs was when he bagged 42 goals and 57 assists for 99 points in the 2016-17 season.
He’s also represented the United States at the international level. Yamamoto helped Team USA win bronze at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championships.
Impact of Kailer Yamamoto Deal
It’s a low-risk and low-cost contract for Seattle general manager Ron Francis. Yamamoto is looking to rebound from a couple of tough seasons with the Oilers. His tenure in Edmonton didn’t live up to expectations. He did have some moments, but it wasn’t enough for him to stay.
This deal for Yamamoto will give him a chance to reset and play for his home state team. He did have loads of scoring potential in juniors, but that hasn’t translated. Coming to Seattle could be what he needs.
Main photo by:Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
