The Oilers’ Big Mistake: Waiving a Player with 1000-Point Potential
The Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to high expectations. With a roster featuring generational talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team has been poised for greatness for several seasons. However, the Oilers may have just made one of their most perplexing decisions in recent memory — waiving a player with the potential to reach 1000 career points.
The player in question is none other than forward Kailer Yamamoto. A former first-round pick, Yamamoto showed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Oilers, with his skillset and hockey IQ earning him praise from both coaches and teammates. Yet, despite his promising trajectory, the Oilers placed the 25-year-old on waivers in a move that has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
A Rising Star with Steady Improvement
Yamamoto was drafted 22nd overall by the Oilers in the 2017 NHL Draft and quickly made an impact at the NHL level. He first cracked the lineup during the 2018-2019 season, and though he struggled to find consistent scoring early on, there was always something about his game that suggested he could be more. His ability to create opportunities with his speed and tenacity was evident, even when the numbers didn’t quite match his effort.
In the 2020-2021 season, Yamamoto began to break through, finishing with 21 points in 52 games. His chemistry with McDavid was palpable, often providing the Oilers’ captain with the space and support needed to elevate his play. Yamamoto’s ability to play a two-way game also caught the eye of head coach Dave Tippett, who gave him significant ice time in key situations.
As the years went on, Yamamoto continued to improve. His offensive production steadily climbed, culminating in a career-high 41 points in the 2022-2023 season. While his goal-scoring numbers weren’t off the charts, Yamamoto’s ability to contribute in all three zones, play with elite linemates, and be a consistent presence on the forecheck showed that he was capable of much more.
The most striking aspect of Yamamoto’s game was his hockey sense. Despite standing at just 5’8” and weighing in at around 153 pounds, he wasn’t afraid to battle in the corners, use his speed to stretch the ice, and create space for others. His high-energy style made him a fan favorite, and it was clear that he could be a key cog in the Oilers’ future.
The Oilers’ Decision: Waiving Yamamoto
The decision to waive Yamamoto, however, raised more questions than answers. While the Oilers may have had financial motivations — as the team was in a difficult salary cap situation — this move risks losing a player with the potential to become a fixture on the top six for many years.
The Oilers are a team that thrives on skill, speed, and puck possession, and Yamamoto’s attributes are perfectly aligned with these values. His ability to complement superstars like McDavid and Draisaitl made him an invaluable asset to the team’s offensive depth. And while it’s true that Yamamoto struggled with injuries in recent seasons, especially to his upper body, his potential to evolve into a consistent 20-25 goal scorer was still very much alive.
It’s worth noting that, like many young players, Yamamoto’s development has been somewhat inconsistent. However, his trajectory had been heading in the right direction, and he had the ability to grow into a player who could contribute offensively for years to come. By waiving him, the Oilers risk losing that potential, especially if he lands in a new environment where he’s given a larger role to succeed.
What Could Have Been: A 1000-Point Career?
The argument for Yamamoto’s future success isn’t just speculative — it’s rooted in his skillset and work ethic. When assessing a player’s potential to reach milestones like 1000 career points, we typically look at factors such as consistency, the ability to adapt, and the opportunity to play with high-level teammates. Yamamoto checks all of those boxes.
Consider his work ethic and maturity. He’s already displayed a solid understanding of the game, especially when it comes to reading plays and making decisions under pressure. His adaptability has allowed him to play on a variety of lines with different styles of players, which is a valuable trait for longevity in the NHL. If given the right development and opportunity, there’s no reason to think Yamamoto couldn’t push for 50-60 points per season, potentially reaching the 1000-point mark over a decade-long career.
Furthermore, there’s the aspect of playing with elite players. McDavid and Draisaitl have made countless players look better than they actually are, but Yamamoto’s chemistry with them has been undeniable. When you consider how often players with high-level talent get their point totals inflated simply by playing with top-tier players, it’s easy to see how Yamamoto could have thrived in this system. Had he remained in Edmonton and continued to evolve, a consistent 60-70 point season wouldn’t have been out of the question — and those numbers add up over time.
A Risk for the Oilers
By waiving Yamamoto, the Oilers are gambling that his potential can be replaced by someone else. With limited cap space, they may be trying to make room for another move or player, but this is a risky proposition. Losing a player with the upside of Yamamoto could come back to haunt them in the long run. He might not be the biggest or flashiest player, but his work ethic and skill make him a valuable asset.
If Yamamoto is claimed by another team, there’s a real possibility that he will flourish in a new environment, one where he can get more consistent minutes and a larger role. That’s the kind of development the Oilers could regret, especially as the team continues to chase a championship.
Final Thoughts
In hindsight, the Oilers may look back on the decision to waive Kailer Yamamoto as a major blunder. This isn’t a slight against their current roster or the talent they have, but letting go of a player who, with time, could have reached 1000 career points seems like a missed opportunity. As the NHL continues to evolve, teams that are able to develop and maintain the right players for the long haul are often the ones that see sustained success. By parting ways with Yamamoto, the Oilers may have just lost a player who could have been part of their core for years to come.
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