NHL Rumors: Oilers Could Trade Former First-Round Pick

According to Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic, the Edmonton Oilers could end up trading Kailer Yamamoto before the deadline.

Yamamoto's name has come up in the rumor mill for months now. The 23-year-old winger has one year left on his current contract, but will still be under team control as a restricted free agent. However, if the Oilers want to make a big splash to save their season, it seems possible that the former first-round pick will be a piece heading the other way.

In 35 games this season, Yamamoto has eight goals and 13 points. Although it's been a down year for him, he has picked his play up as of late. Over his last seven contests, he has three goals and four assists. Perhaps this could mean that the winger is on the verge of rebounding entirely. Yet, over his previous seven games, he was held off the scoresheet in each of them.

If the Oilers trade Yamamoto, they will have to receive something good in return. If not, they certainly aren't in a place where they need to rush a trade.

Alas, we will have to wait and see if Edmonton decides to move on from him to make an upgrade elsewhere.