The Edmonton Oilers have selected Kailer Yamamoto with the 22nd overall pick in the NHL entry draft. Yamamoto played for the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs last season, recording 42-57-99 in 65 games. He’s a super small player, but he is also a super skilled player, which is a big deal for the Oilers.
#Oilers select Kailer Yamamoto 22nd overall. #NHLDraft
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 24, 2017
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Edmonton’s system has Jesse Puljujarvi and Tyler Benson at forward, but outside of them there was a real lack of skill bubbling under. The selection of Yamamoto, while not fully getting the job done, really helps in this area. This is a very strong pick by the Oilers.
Yamamoto will no doubt return to the WHL next season, but he’s a player that could be in the NHL two years down the line as a scoring option on the wing. He absolutely boosts the team’s system.
Scouting Report:
A few notes on Yamamoto, who NBC Sports compared to Calgary’s Johnny Gaudreau during their draft night coverage.
Future Considerations: “A pint-sized, yet dynamic, playmaker… small, speedy forward with excellent hockey sense and quick hands…has a strong work ethic that keeps him going…great overall quickness, first-step jump to create separation and an ability to alter speeds to create gaps…sneaky and stealth-like in finding prime scoring ice…very creative with the puck and shows off creative hands…uses his size to squeak through the tightest of holes”
ISS Hockey: “Fantastic speed & exceptional offensive skills. Pro skill & hockey sense. Needs more size.”
Jeff Marek of Sportsnet: “A shifty, dynamic scorer who has a great shot at winning the WHL scoring title next season. Lacks size (5-foot-9), but such a skilled player.”
Edmonton’s next pick comes tomorrow morning in the third round, pick 82 overall.
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