Kailer Yamamoto made the most of his preseason opportunity.
The Edmonton Oilers rookie, drafted 22nd overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, was expected to compete for a spot on the roster, but the 19-year-old went above and beyond simply making a case for his inclusion on Todd McLellan's team. He forced his way onto the Oilers' opening day squad.
Yamamoto scored five goals in six preseason games for Edmonton, good enough to tie young superstars Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews for the league lead. His scoring exploits from the right wing practically forced the Oilers' hand, although team GM Peter Chiarelli slowed the hype train down by only committing to Yamamoto's presence on a "day-by-day" basis.
"I'm taking it day-by-day right now. I'm not going to change my game." @kailer_yamamoto on starting season with the #Oilers pic.twitter.com/rcRZ5b8Dz5
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 3, 2017
Having considerably less fortune at Oilers camp was 23-year-old Anton Slepyshev, who suffered an injury and illness in quick succession to derail his chances at earning a spot. Slepyshev was assigned to the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL on Tuesday as the Oilers trimmed down to a 22-man roster.
Edmonton kept one spot open ahead of this week's season opener, and the team is also keeping unsigned veteran center Chris Kelly with the team. Whether Kelly becomes the Oilers' 23rd rostered player remains to be seen.
"He's a very smart player, character player." #Oilers keeping PTO centreman Chris Kelly with team for time being: https://t.co/6ZxG2e6405 pic.twitter.com/4BWDxmjA4u
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 3, 2017
The Oilers will open their 2017-18 season against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night.