Kailer Yamamoto has been assigned to the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Edmonton Oilers announced Monday.
The #Oilers have assigned forward Kailer Yamamoto to the @SpokaneChiefs of @TheWHL. Yamamoto recorded three assists in nine games. pic.twitter.com/RAWkT65Wqe
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 6, 2017
The decision comes right before Yamamoto's pivotal 10-game mark. If Yamamoto were to play in his 10th game with the Oilers, his three-year entry level would commence. With the assignment, the Oilers retain that year while Yamamoto gains more time with the Chiefs.
Yamamoto originally impressed Oilers brass during training camp. While appearing in each preseason game, he totaled seven points, which was second-most on the team, following Connor McDavid. Coming out of camp, the rookie earned a spot on the Oilers opening night roster.
I feel comfortable putting him on the ice. He’s earned the right to open the season with our team," Oilers coach Todd McLellan told the Edmonton Journal. “It doesn’t mean it will continue. He has to pick his game up now, it’s going to get tougher."
One goal wasn't enough for @kailer_yamamoto tonight. pic.twitter.com/BMJ3byXnOK
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 23, 2017
For Yamamoto, an adjustment to the NHL level did get more difficult. He went scoreless in his past four games and totaled a mere three points despite playing alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic on Edmonton's second line.
Yamamoto spent the previous three seasons in the WHL. In each of those years, the 19-year-old led the Chiefs in scoring. Yamamoto moves to the top of Team USA's list of candidates for its roster at the 2018 World Junior Championships, held in Buffalo, N.Y. The Spokane, Wash., native participated in Team USA's 2017 Summer Showcase, where he registered three points in two games.