2017 NHL Draft Player Profile: Kailer Yamamoto

*These are not players we think the Flames will draft, but players that could be available when the Flames come to the podium with the 16th pick*

Another pint sized speedster with the ability to pile up points in a hurry? That’s what the Flames could be looking at if Kailer Yamamoto is sitting there, waiting to be picked at #16. The Spokane WA product might not be big (he’s smaller than Gaudreau), but his stats are HUGE. In his sophomore season with his hometown Spokane Chiefs of the WHL Kailer Yamomoto played in 62 games and compiled a robust 99 points. The centre/forward pumped in 42 goals and collected 57 assists in his second run through the WHL. His 2016-17 season is his only sample size this year, as Spokane was the only team he suited up for. He did skate with Team USA’s U18 team in 2015-16 and he delivered on the goal scoring front there as well. In 7 games he lit the lamp 7 times. One spot on the stat sheet that might surprise you are his PIM. In 122 WHL games he’s sat in the bin for a total of 80 minutes. No, he’s not the second coming of Jay Miller, but for a kid that small to be in the box that much shows he’s got a little physicality to his game.

Size could be a deterrent here for the Flames as collecting small, speedy guys might not be the best way to compete in the gritty Western Confernece. HOWEVER, if that kind of talent is sitting there when the Flames walk to the podium, Kailer Yamamoto could be hard to pass up.

Stats from Elite Prospects