Oilers select Kailer Yamamoto 22nd overall
The Edmonton Oilers drafted forward Kailer Yamamoto 22nd overall at the NHL Entry Draft on Friday.
Kailer Yamamoto
Position: Right Wing
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 159 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Spokane (WHL)
Nationality: American
| GP | G | A | P | ES GPG | ES PPG | ES GF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 42 | 57 | 99 | 0.43 | 0.89 | 57.63% |
(Even-strength stats courtesy: prospect-stats.com)
As one of the most prolific point-producers in the WHL throughout his junior career, Yamamoto is an offensive wizard on the wing when it comes to both goal-scoring and playmaking abilities.
He might have a tough path to the NHL as an undersized winger, but there's no doubt he possesses the raw offensive talent to grow into a dynamic pro.
Yamamoto's size likely pushed him down the Central Scouting rankings, where he finished 17th among North American skaters. However, the NHL is transitioning to an emphasis on speed and skill, which he oozes.
Yamamoto has an elite shot and awareness in the offensive zone, and the video below highlights an incredibly impressive 2016-17 season, in which he finished sixth in WHL scoring.