Kailer Yamamoto

Kailer Yamamoto, born September 29, 1998, is a right winger currently playing for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL). While his career has shown flashes of brilliance, it’s also been marked by inconsistency and the challenge of fulfilling the high expectations placed upon him as a former first-round draft pick.

Yamamoto’s journey began in Spokane, Washington, where he starred for the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL). His exceptional offensive talent and playmaking ability were evident from an early age. He consistently ranked among the WHL’s top scorers, showcasing his speed, agility, and hockey sense. This success led to the Edmonton Oilers selecting him 22nd overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The Oilers hoped Yamamoto would become a key piece of their offensive core, complementing stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Yamamoto’s transition to the NHL has been a process. He’s had several stints with the Oilers, moving between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL) as he worked to refine his game. While he possesses undeniable skill, his smaller stature (listed at 5’8″ and around 150 pounds) has often been cited as a factor in his struggles to maintain consistent production in the physically demanding NHL. He had to adapt his game to compensate for his size, focusing on using his speed and hockey IQ to his advantage.

One of Yamamoto’s most promising stretches came during the 2019-2020 season, where he found chemistry playing alongside Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. He displayed offensive confidence and a willingness to get to the net, contributing significantly to the Oilers’ scoring. This period raised hopes that he had finally found his footing in the NHL. He followed that up with a decent showing in the pandemic shortened 2020-2021 season.

However, subsequent seasons saw Yamamoto’s production wane. Injuries hampered his progress and consistency became an issue. While he demonstrated the ability to create scoring chances and contribute defensively, he struggled to maintain that level of play consistently. His contract became a point of contention, and ultimately, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in the summer of 2023. The Red Wings immediately placed him on waivers, and he was subsequently claimed by the Seattle Kraken.

Joining the Kraken offers Yamamoto a fresh start in a new environment. He has the opportunity to prove himself and contribute to a team looking to establish itself as a playoff contender. In Seattle, he hopes to recapture the form he showed earlier in his career and solidify his place as a valuable NHL player. The Kraken’s coaching staff will be tasked with helping him find consistency and maximize his potential within their system. The pressure of being a highly touted draft pick in Edmonton is gone, offering him a chance to play with less scrutiny and rediscover his confidence.