Kailer Yamamoto

BIOGRAPHY

Kailer Yamamoto was born September 29, 1998, in Spokane, Washington. He was drafted in the first round, 22nd overall, in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. At the time, he drew comparisons to the Calgary Flames' Johnny Gaudreau (drafted 2011), particularly due to their similarity in size and playing style.

After an impressive training camp with the Oilers, Yamamoto made the opening night roster for the 2017–18 season. He made his regular-season debut on October 4, 2017, against the Calgary Flames in a 3–0 win, and recorded his first career point, an assist, on October 14 on an Adam Larsson goal against the Ottawa Senators. After playing his ninth game with the Oilers and recording 3 assists, Yamamoto was returned to Spokane to continue his development at the major junior level on November 6, 2017.

The Oilers included Yamamoto on their 25-player roster at the start of the 2018–19 NHL season. He recorded his first NHL goal on October 18, in a 3–2 overtime win over the Boston Bruins.

As a restricted free agent following the 2021–22 season, Yamamoto avoided arbitration with the Oilers after re-signing to a two-year, $3.1 million per year contract extension on 4 August 2022.

After being sent back to Edmonton for injury reevaluation on November 10, 2022 while the team was on a road trip, Yamamoto remained out with an undisclosed injury, missing seven games. Yamamoto was placed on injured reserve on November 27, 2022.