Kailer Yamamoto named to AHL all-star game

Kailer Yamamoto has been named to the American Hockey League all-star game as the only representative from the Oilers farm club.

The 21-year-old has skated in 23 games with the Bakersfield Condors notching eight goals and eight assists and three game-winning goals in that time frame.

Yamamoto played in his second game with the Edmonton Oilers last night after a recall earlier this week and has tallied one goal and one assist in that time.

The AHL all-star game takes place in Ontario, Calif. on Jan. 26-27 and comes amid a time where the Oilers will be on their own all-star break. With no games for the big club between Jan. 19-28, there’s no reason the Oilers shouldn’t reassign him so he can take part in the game.

Yamamoto has been a breath of fresh air for the Oilers and looked really good Thursday night alongside Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. While notching points in each game he’s played in is a plus, Yamamoto has appeared to be more dialed into an all-around game.

He’s made some key plays in the defensive zone to thwart goals, and despite a small frame of 5’8, 158 lbs., he hasn’t shied away from using his body totaling an impressive seven hits in two games.

Edmonton needs a lot more of what Yamamoto has brought to the table this season and on top of an NHL recall, an AHL ASG nod will surely boost his confidence. If he keeps up his play like he has the last few games, I see no reason why he should be able to stick with the big club all season.

On Twitter: @zjlaing