Kailer Yamamoto, a right wing, and the Edmonton Oilers have opted out of arbitration. The organization announced on Wednesday that Yamamoto and Edmonton have reached a two-year contract extension worth a total of $6.2 million.
A sixth season with the Oilers has just ended for Yamamoto, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. Yamamoto is coming off a breakout season in 2021-22 after establishing himself as a regular in the NHL during the condensed 2020–21 season.
All of Yamamoto’s 41 points in 81 games played, including 20 goals and 21 assists, were career highs for the 23-year-old winger. Yamamoto’s expanded role and extended time on a line with players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Connor McDavid, and Leon Draisaitl were helpful. Yamamoto must continue to improve while playing with Edmonton’s elite talent over the course of the next two seasons.
In 14 games played during the Oilers’ run to the Western Conference Final, Yamamoto recorded two goals and five helpers. He sustained a concussion in Game 2 against the Colorado Avalanche, which forced him to miss the team’s remaining two playoff games.
Yamamoto, who is from Spokane, Washington, has accumulated 40 goals and 93 points over 186 games with the Oilers. Yamamoto has recorded two goals and six helpers in his 22 postseason contests.
Ryan McLeod, a 22-year-old winger, is the lone remaining restricted free agent for the Oilers now that Yamamoto has committed for the next two years.
