It would have been easy for Kailer Yamamoto to feel out of place Wednesday night in Winnipeg.
The Edmonton Oilers first round draft in 2017 was playing in just his second NHL pre-season game. His centre was Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (395 regular season games). The other winger was Jussi Jokinen (891 regular season games).
Instead, Yamamoto fit right in, scoring an empty net goal and having a second period marker waved off because the puck went in off his skate.
“The older guys are definitely making me feel a part of the team and calming my nerves before the game,” said Yamamoto, who turns 19 on September 29. “I think game-by-game I’ve gotten a little bit better.”
He has two goals in two pre-season games. Oilers head coach Todd McLellan confirmed Thursday that Yamamoto will play at least one of the two Oilers home games this weekend.
“He’s earned the right to play again,” said McLellan.
While Yamamoto has looked good so far, he admits it’s not always smooth sailing when he hits the ice.
“It’s tough. It’s definitely intimidating,” said Yamamoto, who stands just 5’8″. “You just go in there with the same mentality. You have to have that confidence. You have to know that you can win that battle. I just try to go in with the same mentality I’ve always had and prepare to win every battle I have.”
“If he begins to play outside of what his skill set allows him to do, he’s likely not going to have any success,” explained McLellan. “He plays situations so smart. There will be the odd time he’ll get outmuscled or somebody heavier will win the battle, but nine out of 10 times he’s positioned himself so well and anticipates so well, he can play the game built the way he is.”
While Yamamoto remains in camp, the Oilers have assigned the following players to Bakersfield of the AHL:
Ethan Bear
Ben Betker
Greg Chase
Braden Christoffer
Joseph Gambardella
Ziyat Paigin
Kyle Platzer
Shane Starrett
Chad Butcher
Josh Currie
Ryan Hamilton
Zach O’Brien
Evan Polei
The Oilers host Vancouver Friday night. Catch the game on 630 CHED with the Face-off Show at 5:30 p.m. The game starts at 7 p.m.
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