**Update: Kailer Yamamoto has signed with the Seattle Kraken. A one-year deal worth $1.5 million. He is the first player born in Washington (Spokane) to sign with the team in franchise history. He spent four seasons with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL before entering the NHL.
Edmonton Oilers General Manager Kane The Netherlands has expressed its openness to the idea of bringing Kailer Yamamoto forward with a cost-effective one-year contract. Following Yamamoto’s trade to the Detroit Red Wings, which allowed the Oilers to free up $3.1 million in salary cap space, Holland addressed the possibility of Yamamoto’s return during a media conference on the first day of the NHL Free Agency. While noting that Yamamoto’s agent, JB Parry, is helping the winger explore his options, Holland confirmed that he has had discussions with Parry regarding the player’s situation.
Holland stated that he was comfortable with Yamamoto exploring other offers and if he secured a higher deal than the Oilers could afford, they would be in no position to match it, especially given the impending contracts of restricted free agents Evan Bouchard and Ryan McLeod. However, if Yamamoto can’t find a suitable offer and the prospect of returning to a familiar side is more attractive than accepting a low-cost deal elsewhere, Holland is open to bringing the forward back into the fold.
During the NHL draft, Holland publicly expressed his reluctance to trade Yamamoto, stating that if the salary cap had not been affected by the pandemic, he would have kept the player. Yamamoto was initially signed when the salary cap was expected to increase dramatically, but due to the pandemic, the cap has only increased by a total of $2 million over the past five years. This limited financial flexibility has forced the oil company to make tough decisions.
As the offseason progresses, it remains to be seen if Yamamoto will find a more lucrative offer or consider returning to the Oilers on a team friendly deal. The Oilers’ willingness to bring Yamamoto back shows their appreciation for his abilities, while financial considerations and the salary cap will ultimately play a significant role in determining his future with the team.
Edmonton should be very financially conscious, but if they can bring back a player who was $3.1 million on his salary cap around $1 million as a bottom six option, they’re open to him. And the fact that it’s not seen as circumventing the salary cap by the NHL only makes it a more attractive option if Yamamoto wants to stay in Edmonton and give it another go.
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