After Stellar 6-Season Stint in Oilers, NHL Star Forward Makes Monumental Move, Joins Seattle Kraken With Massive $1,500,000 Contract

A recent announcement in the ice hockey world served as an icebreaker in the long-awaited career turn for an NHL star. As the young forward player, the teen brought home a silver in U17 World Hockey Championship in his debut season. Further, cementing his sporting career over half a decade hasn’t been easy but the young athlete soared high. With the pandemic striking, his previous scores seemed farther away upon his return, leading to tough choices.

At just 24 years, Kailer Yamamoto left behind a team with six shared seasons, hitting several setbacks and a turbulent professional portfolio. The ex-Edmonton Oilers player has now returned to his native Washington. Are you a fan who was rooting for his homecoming? Well, this is it, the boy is back home!

NHL player moves to Seattle Kraken gifting himself a ticket back home

American professional ice hockey player and Spokane native, Kailer Yamamoto, signed a $1.5 million one-year deal with the Seattle Kraken. The contract made him the first in-state player for Kraken contributing to their team development. An Instagram post was shared by NHL handle @nhl sharing the heartwarming news with the fans with the caption, “HEADED HOME (with home emoji) Kailer Yamamoto signs with the @seattlekraken and returns to his home state! (raised hands emoji)”

Interestingly, he is the first Washington-born player to join the Kraken in franchise history. His junior ice hockey career began with the Spokane Chiefs and a WHL team that earned him recognition in the community. Then 2017 NHL Entry Draft came his way with the Edmonton Oilers selection in the first round, a milestone that changed his life. At a hanging trail of future considerations on June 29, 2023, Oilers traded him with the Detroit Red Wings.

His move was accompanied by fellow teammate Klim Kostin. In less than a week the Red Wings bought him out, allowing him to play as an unrestricted free agent. Now, the new beginning has garnered mixed reactions from NHL fans who are still processing this transfer and homecoming. Fortunately for Yamamoto, his next season looks secure as a Kraken player. What are your thoughts on this shift, have you been able to make up your mind? If not, his career stats will help you kill your indecisiveness.

Here’s a peak into Kailer Yamamoto’s NHL highs

Yamamoto has constantly strived to build an image as part of the U.S. team and then in six seasons with Edmonton Oilers. His rookie season was during 2017-18 when he played for the Oilers when he was positioned with the top six players. Yamamoto scored 26 points in 27 games making him an asset for the team. In the season his tally totaled 99 points (42 goals, 57 assists) in 65 games which was nothing short of Western Hockey League domination. He also earned the title of Western Conference Second All-Star Team during the season.

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As he kept progressing in his career, his promise and potential as a player continues to attract the teams to buy him. The 5-foot-8 player has now garnered more attention than ever. Though his previous score of 10 goals and 15 assists in 58 games in his sixth year concerns the fans who are now anxious to see what he can contribute as a Kraken.

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