On June 23, 2017, the Edmonton Oilers used the 22nd overall pick in the NHL Draft to select a small but fiery forward from Spokane, Washington — Kailer Yamamoto. Listed at just 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds at the time, Yamamoto wasn’t the typical first-round prototype. But what he lacked in size, he made up for in tenacity, vision, hockey IQ, and heart. That moment became a milestone not only for Yamamoto’s career but also for the Oilers’ modern identity — one that embraced speed, grit, and the evolution of the NHL game.
Now, years later, looking back at Yamamoto’s journey with the Edmonton Oilers evokes a sense of admiration for a player who faced enormous expectations, overcame doubt, and became a valuable contributor to a team in the midst of a transformative era.
Coming into the 2017 draft, Kailer Yamamoto had established himself as one of the most productive offensive players in the Western Hockey League (WHL). With 99 points in 65 games during his draft year with the Spokane Chiefs, Yamamoto was clearly skilled — a dynamic skater with quick hands and a nose for the net.
What made him stand out even more was his maturity. He wasn’t just a scorer; he played in all situations, killed penalties, battled in corners, and showed a complete understanding of the game far beyond his years. Despite concerns about his size, Oilers scouts and then-GM Peter Chiarelli saw something special — a player whose tenacity and skill could shine at the NHL level if given the right support and development.
On draft night, the Oilers ignored the doubters and made their move, selecting Yamamoto with the 22nd overall pick. When he stepped to the stage in a blue and orange jersey, few could have imagined the number of highs and lows that would define his time in Edmonton.
After an impressive training camp in 2017, Yamamoto made the Oilers’ roster out of camp as a teenager, playing in nine games before being returned to junior. Though he didn’t score a goal in that initial NHL stint, he impressed with his work ethic, positioning, and fearless approach against much larger opponents.
The return to Spokane gave him more time to hone his game, and Yamamoto finished his 2017-18 WHL season with another 64 points in just 40 games. He also suited up for Team USA at the World Junior Championship, giving Oilers fans another glimpse at his high-octane game on an international stage.
The following season, Yamamoto again made the Oilers out of camp, this time playing 17 games and scoring his first NHL goal. But it was clear that he needed more time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the pro game. The Oilers were careful not to rush him. He was sent to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, where he began to round out his two-way play and gain confidence against seasoned professionals.
Yamamoto’s true breakout came during the 2019–20 season, when he was recalled to the NHL in late December and inserted into a top-six role alongside Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The trio quickly found instant chemistry, forming what fans dubbed the “DRY Line” (Draisaitl, Ryan, Yamamoto).
In 27 games to close the regular season, Yamamoto tallied 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points — nearly a point-per-game pace. More importantly, he looked like he belonged. He was a relentless puck hound, a smart passer, and a fearless net-front presence despite his size. He drew penalties, extended plays, and made life easier for his linemates.
That stretch turned heads around the league. Analysts praised the Oilers for finally finding a true top-six winger to complement their star centers, and Yamamoto was heralded as a breakout star.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic cut the season short, and while the Oilers’ return to play in the playoff bubble didn’t go as hoped, Yamamoto’s emergence remained one of the bright spots of a disrupted year.
The following seasons brought new challenges. Yamamoto’s production dipped in 2020–21, as he battled minor injuries and faced stiffer checking. Opponents keyed in on his tendencies, and his confidence wavered at times.
Still, he continued to make an impact in other areas — defensive zone coverage, puck battles, and penalty killing. While his offensive numbers didn’t always reflect it, Yamamoto remained one of the team’s hardest-working players. His resilience was never in question. He never took a shift off, and his commitment to team defense earned praise from coaches and teammates alike.
In the 2021–22 season, Yamamoto regained his scoring touch, recording career highs in goals (20) and points (41) in 81 games. His performance was especially vital in the back half of the season, when the Oilers surged into playoff position under new head coach Jay Woodcroft.
That year’s playoff run, which saw the Oilers reach the Western Conference Final, gave Yamamoto a platform to showcase his playoff grit. He chipped in timely goals, played through pain, and became one of the team’s unsung heroes.
Following the 2022–23 season, the Oilers faced difficult salary cap decisions. With limited space and several key players to re-sign, the organization made the tough call to trade Yamamoto to the Detroit Red Wings in a cap-clearing move. The transaction marked the end of a six-year journey that saw Yamamoto grow from a wide-eyed draft pick to a battle-tested NHL veteran.
Fans were disappointed but not surprised. The NHL is a business, and moves like this are part of the landscape. Still, the outpouring of gratitude from Oilers fans on social media reflected how deeply Yamamoto had resonated with the city. He wasn’t just a fan favorite because of his speed or goals — it was his heart, his hustle, and the way he gave everything, every shift.
Though his time with the Oilers was not without its ups and downs, Kailer Yamamoto’s legacy is secure. He defied the odds, proved the doubters wrong, and became a symbol of the modern NHL’s shift toward speed and tenacity over size.
He also represented something more intangible: hope. For every undersized player dreaming of NHL stardom, Yamamoto was proof that skill, work ethic, and determination still matter. For Edmonton fans, he was a homegrown talent who brought joy, effort, and humility to the ice every night.
His connection to the city went beyond hockey. Yamamoto embraced Edmonton as his second home, often participating in community events, charity initiatives, and youth outreach. He understood what it meant to wear the Oilers jersey — not just as a player, but as a representative of a proud hockey town.
As Yamamoto continues his career with new teams, Oilers fans continue to watch his journey with pride. Whether he’s scoring goals in Detroit, Seattle, or beyond, he remains a part of the Oilers’ extended family — a player who gave his all and helped build the culture that now defines the team’s modern core.
And who knows? Hockey careers are long and winding. Maybe someday, the Oilers and Yamamoto will reunite — a second chapter to a story that began on this day in 2017, when a small forward with a giant heart became part of the blue and orange brotherhood.
