3 Free-Agent Destinations for Kailer Yamamoto

The 2024-25 NHL season is just a couple of months away and training camps are opening up within a couple of weeks. Players are starting to informally skate around home rinks and there's certainly a growing buzz in the air as hockey approaches.

There's a number of free-agents who are sitting without a contract for next season, one being Kailer Yamamoto. The former Edmonton Oilers first-round pick is certainly someone who could land a PTO heading into camps. Yamamoto is just 25 years old and while he hasn't been able to consistent produce at the NHL level, with his skating ability and offensive instincts, in the right situation he could flourish. 

Here's three teams to keep an eye on with the offseason winding down:

Boston Bruins

There's rumblings the Bruins have already convinced Yamamoto to come to camp but that he's holding out for a formal contract offer from other clubs. To this point, nothing is set in stone. Yamamoto is someone who could play up and down the lineup, but is certainly better suited in an offensive role. His best season was in 2021-22 when he posted 41 points in 81 games for the Oilers. The Bruins are in the market for more depth up front, Yamamoto would provide some more internal competition for camp.

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks have tons of roster openings and a GM who is open to second chances. This could be a good fit where Yamamoto can go into a quiet market, and try to reset his NHL career. So far in 303 career games, he's recorded 58 goals and 134 points. The Sharks are rebuilding and looking for players who play with a purpose and can lead by example, Yamamoto is someone who could fit the bill and is hungry to prove himself. 

Calgary Flames

The Flames are a bit of a mess as they look to rebuild on the fly. Expectations are low and they are a team who is familiar with Yamamoto from their rivalry with the Oilers. Their pipeline isn't loaded with prospects pushing for depth spots up front, so it's likely Craig Conroy would add a couple of veterans on PTO's to ramp up training camp. Yamamoto could be in the mix as he'll look to win a job throughout camp and the preseason.

PHoto credit:  Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports