The Edmonton Oilers first-round draft pick from this summer will get another chance to make an impression Wednesday night in Winnipeg.
Kailer Yamamoto, drafted 22nd overall in June, scored a goal Monday in Calgary. In Winnipeg, he’ll skate alongside two veterans in Jussi Jokinen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
“The task to create is a difficult one at the NHL level,” head coach Todd McLellan said. “He’s going through it as an 18-year-old, a smaller 18-year-old. But if he competes the way he did in Calgary and he uses his instincts well, he’s going to continue to improve and he has an opportunity.”
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Yamamoto, who is just 5’8″ and 154 pounds, shone with Spokane in the WHL last season, racking up 99 points in 65 games.
The Oilers skated in Edmonton before leaving to Winnipeg on Wednesday. The line of Jujhar Khaira, Mark Letestu and Zack Kassian is expected to play against the Jets.
The defence pairing will be:
Russell – Benning
Auvitu – Mantha
Stanton – Gryba
Laurent Brossoit will start in goal with Nick Ellis expected to come on in relief at some point.
Listen to the Oilers and Jets on 630 CHED with the Face-off Show at 4:30 p.m. The game starts at 6 p.m.
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