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Former Edmonton Oilers first-round pick Kailer Yamamoto could be an interesting addition to the San Jose Sharks.
Yamamoto was taken 22nd overall in 2017 and hasn’t truly found the potential that made him a first-rounder. In 244 games with the Oilers, Yamamoto scored 50 goals and 68 assists. During the 2021-22 season, the winger scored 20 goals and 21 assists for his best career season.
After the 21-22 season, Yamamoto was primed for a breakout year. Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, that didn’t happen. Injuries shortened his season to 58 games, and he scored ten goals and 15 assists.
He was then traded to the Detroit Red Wings along with now Sharks forward Klim Kostin. The Red Wings bought Yamamoto out one day after the trade, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Yamamoto is a native of Spokane, Washington, and signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Kraken. In 59 games last season, Yamamoto’s offensive struggles continued as he scored only eight goals and eight assists. He was not given a qualifying offer and became a UFA once again.
Yamamoto is a strong forechecking forward. During his time with the Oilers, he often played on a line with Leon Draisaitl, providing the centerman with terrific puck retrieval skills. The Sharks’ forecheck was a weakness last season, and while they have upgraded talent around the roster, a skillful forward who can win puck battles in the corners remains a need.
San Jose also has a lot of forward talent on the roster and has added many forwards for internal competition that breeds success. If Yamamoto remains unsigned, the Sharks could offer him a PTO for a closer look at training camp.
While the 2017 first-rounder doesn’t look like he will provide the 40+ points he showed he is capable of, he remains a young forward who wouldn’t cost much to take a chance on.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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