Former Edmonton Oilers first-round pick signed by Utah Hockey Club

Yamamoto signed a player tryout agreement (PTO) with Utah last month. Kailer scored three goals in four preseason games with the new club.

The Oilers selected Yamamoto with the 22nd overall pick in 2017. Because of his size, he has struggled mightily ever since to remain in the NHL. Being only 5'8", he has essentially had to establish his worthiness for a roster spot every season. He seems to have done so once more now that the Utah Hockey Club signed him following an invitation to training camp on a PTO.

During his time with the Seattle Kraken in 2023-24, the 26-year-old scored eight goals and provided eight assists for a total of 16 points in 59 regular-season games.

Yamamoto has represented the United States abroad on multiple occasions. Playing on a team that included Jeremy Swayman, Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, Adam Fox, and others, he won bronze in the U-18 tournament in 2016, silver with the Under-17 team in 2014, and yet another bronze in the World Junior Championships in 2018.

Utah's inaugural season has been busy, and this move is the most recent. Clayton Keller was announced just two days ago as Utah's first ever captain. Keller is a holdover from the Arizona Coyotes, much like the majority of the roster. Keller became a legitimate NHL star after being selected by the Coyotes with the seventh overall pick in 2016.

On Tuesday, October 8, Utah Hockey Club is hosting a free, public Inaugural Game Celebration against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks to begin the 2024-25 season to commemorate the team's first-ever regular season.