Oilers GM: Yamamoto making ‘strong argument’ in camp

Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli says Kailer Yamamoto has outshone 2016 4th overall pick Jesse Puljujarvi, and is making a very strong case to make the opening night roster.

General manager Peter Chiarelli wouldn’t confirm that Kailer Yamamoto will make the Edmonton Oilers out of training camp, but said the 18-year-old prospect is “making a strong argument right now.”

“He’s gotten better with better players,” Chiarelli said on Wednesday during Hockey Central at Noon on Sportsnet 590 The FAN. “He’s gotten better, progressively, against better players.”

Yamamoto, selected by the Oilers in the first round (22nd overall) of this year’s draft, has enjoyed a strong pre-season, notching his fifth goal Monday.

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Chiarelli says he’s been impressed with the on-ice smarts and durability of the five-foot-eight, 155-lb. Yamamoto.

“He is strong and very sturdy. He does go into battle areas and figures out how to come out with the puck, but you have to be careful with players of that size and stature. But he’s very durable and doesn’t get hit. He rolls off of checks. He’s very elusive.”

You can listen to the full interview in the player below:

 
Oilers GM: Yamamoto making strong case to start year in NHL
September 27 2017
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