Former Oiler top draft pick signs with Utah Hockey Club

Utah Hockey Club made a big move yesterday signing Kailer Yamamoto to a one-year, two-way deal, as reported by Chris Johnston on X this afternoon.

Yamamoto was first signed to a professional tryout with the Utah HC back on September 11th. During that time, he scored 3 goals, and nearly a fourth in a tough battle against Colorado.

The details of his contract per PuckPedia show the 26 year old forward receiving a one-year deal carrying a $775,000 cap hit at the NHL level.

Once a former top prospect of the Oilers drafted 22nd overall in the 2017 draft,Yamamoto played in 244 games with the Oilers accumulating 118 total points (50G, 68A) before going to the Kraken for the 2023-24 season.

It was during the 2019-20 that Yamamoto was called up and started to make an impact on Edmonton, playing alongside Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, he had 26 points in 27 games before COVID cut that season short.

Yamamoto scored two of his three goals against the San Jose Sharks this pre-season to help the team beat the Sharks on the road. During that game he was paired up with Barrett Hayton and Clayton Keller on the top line.

It looks like Yamamoto has found himself a good role to play with the Utah Hockey Club and could easily slide and stay in playing at the NHL level. Utah has liked what they have seen with him as he has been playing on the top line. A one-year deal looks like a bargain price for Yamamoto.