Edmonton Oilers may move on from former first-round pick this summer
While the Edmonton Oilers have their attention solely on their first round series against the Los Angeles Kings, where they hold a three games to two lead, rumours are beginning to swirl off the ice regarding one of their younger forwards.
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic believes that the Edmonton Oilers could be gearing up to move former first-round pick Kailer Yamamoto this summer for a few reasons including his struggles and that the 24-year-old would need to sign a much smaller contract than he currently has if he wants to remain with the organization.
In his most recent Trade Targets article, DailyFaceoff's Frank Seravalli has Yamamoto listed at number 16 and here's why:
"Just about every part of this season has been a little bit «off» for Yamamoto. He hasn't seemed quite right. He's been dealing with a vestibular system issue, symptoms not all that different than a concussion, for a large chunk of the year, which also kept him out of the lineup in the early part of 2023. When he's been healthy, Yamamoto can be an impact contributor. He collected 20 goals last season. It's just that the Oilers will have other players to pay (see: Evan Bouchard) and limited room to make deals, making him potentially expendable." Seravalli said. Yamamoto, a native of Spokane (Washington) appeared in 58 games during hte regular season for the Oilers, putting up 25 points (ten goals, 15 assists), 24 penalty minutes and was a plus-12. So far during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he has no points. Yamamoto has one more year on his contract with an AAV of $3.1 million and will become a restricted free agent in July 2024.
Source: DailyFaceoff
POLL |
AVRIL 28 | 72 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers may move on from former first-round pick this summer Should the Oilers move on from Yamamoto this summer? |
Yes | 47 | 65.3 % |
No | 16 | 22.2 % |
See Results | 9 | 12.5 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Tom Banks Brandon Hagel Puts the Final Nail in the Coffin After Latest Shot at the Tkachuk Brothers and Team USA |
|
2 hours ago | By Tom Banks Brady Tkachuk and Insider Both Give Devastating Update On Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Situation |
|
3 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Brad Marchand Puts the Tkachuk Brothers on Blast Following Championship Win |
|
17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Team Canada Star Defenseman Ruled Out Moments Before Final Showdown with Team USA |
|
17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery American Reporter Mocks Connor McDavid Hours Ahead of the Biggest Game of his Life |
|
19 hours ago | By Tom Banks NHL Players Reportedly Prioritizing Four Nations: Will Miss Time With Their Teams |
|
21 hours ago | By Tom Banks Charlie McAvoy Sends Team USA and the World a Message After Leaving the Hospital |
|
22 hours ago | By Tom Banks New York Islanders Place Former First Round Pick on Waivers |
Previously on Bladeofsteel