The 24-year-old has struggled with health issues, but is still coming into his own and may be worth a look for the Capitals.
The Washington Capitals are likely to make quite a few changes this offseason, and while this year's class of free agents isn't the strongest, several names are emerging on the trade market. And one name that stands out: Edmonton Oilers winger Kailer Yamamoto.
Yamamoto's name is popping up on trade boards as the Oilers face numerous decisions this offseason. The 2017 first-round selection has shown upside over the course of his young career, though an injury-riddled campaign set him back and raised some questions that have led to speculation that his time in Edmonton could be done via the trade or buyout route.
Taking that into account, is Yamamoto worth a look for the Capitals?
The 24-year-old had a rough year with the Oilers as he navigated vestibular system issues (similar symptoms to that of a concussion) that limited him to 58 games and just 10 goals and 15 assists. He spent a reasonable amount of time on the long-term injured reserve and struggled to find consistency.
However, in 2021-22, Yamamoto busted out onto the scene with 20 goals and 21 assists in 81 appearances. He worked well on the top-6 and showed great chemistry with the likes of the team's stars.
The 5-8, 153-pound winger isn't the biggest, though he possesses great skill and skating ability. His hockey IQ is high, and he's also a speedy, energetic forward who can get to the front and has a knack for the net. The only downside is his strength, consistency and recent injury struggles.
Washington, meanwhile, has a similar forward on the roster that the team is reportedly ready to move on from, minus the injuries. Anthony Mantha is somewhat in the same spot; he has had flashes of greatness but has struggled to finish on his chances, produce at a high level or make the most of his chances. In turn, his confidence has taken a toll.
Yamamoto has one year left on his deal worth $3.1 million, while Mantha has a cap hit of $5.7 million for one last season. A swap could potentially be possible if Edmonton is willing to take a flier on the 28-year-old, who is 6-5 and could very well benefit from a change in scenery while he's also hired a mental coach to get back to where he wants to be.
However, Mantha is expensive, and the value for him isn't the highest right now. The Oilers could very well want to pass, though retaining salary or adding a sweetener could help with a move.
Meanwhile, bringing Yamamoto to D.C. may be worth it despite his health issues this past season. He's still young and coming into his own, and with Spencer Carbery now at the helm, he can work with a coach who wants to hone in on development and mix in a young group of players with offsides with a veteran core.
General manager Brian MacLellan also wants to revamp the top-6 and make the team younger and faster, and Yamamoto's a guy that fits the bill. Plus, if Edmonton chooses to buy him out, he is an option to sign in the offseason, especially with Conor Sheary unlikely to return while the likes of Mantha and Evgeny Kuznetsov are reported being shopped.
In the end, MacLellan will make changes, though how big of a splash he'll choose to make remains to be seen. Yamamoto, though, could be a good name to have on the radar as a one-time 20-goal scorer who still has the ability to turn things around and has yet to hit his peak.