Kailer Yamamoto Bio
Kailer Yamamoto (born September 29, 1998) is an American professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a right winger for the Utah Mammoth of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 22nd overall in the first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers.
Early Life and Background
Kailer Yamamoto was born in Spokane, Washington, USA. He is of Japanese descent through his paternal grandfather. Growing up in Spokane, Yamamoto and his older brother Keanu were introduced to skating by the mother of NHL player Tyler Johnson and later trained with Johnson during offseasons. This early exposure helped lay the foundation for his hockey career.
Yamamoto played minor ice hockey with the Los Angeles Selects and the Los Angeles Jr. Kings in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, where he demonstrated his scoring ability by accumulating 40 points in 34 games. His early development in competitive youth hockey leagues prepared him for higher levels of play.
Path to Hockey
In 2013, Yamamoto was drafted 105th overall in the fifth round of the Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft by his hometown team, the Spokane Chiefs. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season in 2014–15, scoring 23 goals and totaling 57 points in 68 games. He also represented Team USA at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament as a top scorer.
Yamamoto’s performance earned him an invitation to the 2016 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. During the 2016–17 WHL season, he was named Player of the Week after scoring seven points in four games and finished the season sixth overall in scoring with 99 points. His success in junior hockey set the stage for his entry into the NHL.
Kailer Yamamoto Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Yamamoto was selected 22nd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. After an impressive training camp, he made the Oilers’ opening night roster for the 2017–18 season. He debuted on October 4, 2017, against the Calgary Flames and recorded his first NHL point with an assist on October 14. After nine games and three assists, he was returned to Spokane to continue his development.
Edmonton Oilers Breakthrough (2018–2023)
Yamamoto began the 2018–19 season on the Oilers’ roster and scored his first NHL goal on October 18, 2018, in a 3–2 overtime win against the Boston Bruins. Over the following seasons, he became a regular contributor for Edmonton. In August 2022, he signed a two-year contract extension worth $3.1 million annually.
During the 2022–23 season, Yamamoto faced injury challenges, including a stint on long-term injured reserve. He returned to play in February 2023 and made notable contributions, including scoring the fastest two goals by an Oilers player since 2013. In April 2023, he scored the series-clinching goal in the first round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings.
Seattle Kraken and Utah Mammoth Era (2023–Present)
In June 2023, Yamamoto was traded to the Detroit Red Wings but was bought out shortly after. He then signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Kraken. During the 2023–24 season, he appeared in 59 games but recorded a career-low 16 points.
As a free agent in 2024, Yamamoto accepted a professional tryout with the Utah Mammoth. After a strong preseason performance, he signed a one-year contract with the team in October 2024. While playing for Utah’s AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, he received a suspension related to a spearing incident in March 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kailer Yamamoto is known for his speed, agility, and skillful puck handling. His relatively smaller stature compared to many NHL players is offset by his quickness and ability to create scoring opportunities. His playing style has drawn comparisons to Johnny Gaudreau, emphasizing finesse and offensive creativity.
Notable Events and Milestones
Yamamoto’s career highlights include scoring his first NHL goal in 2018, achieving a rapid two-goal sequence in 2023, and delivering a series-clinching playoff goal for the Oilers. These moments underscore his impact as a clutch performer in critical games.
Kailer Yamamoto Career Wins
Throughout his career, Yamamoto has contributed significantly to his teams with key goals and assists, particularly during his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers. While not primarily known for individual awards, his consistent offensive production and playoff contributions mark important achievements.
WHL Highlights
During his time with the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL, Yamamoto amassed 99 points in the 2016–17 season, ranking sixth overall in the league. His performance earned him a spot on the Western Conference Second All-Star Team and recognition as WHL Player of the Week.
Other Performances
Internationally, Yamamoto represented Team USA at the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship, scoring seven goals and 13 points in seven games to help secure a bronze medal. He also won bronze with Team America at the 2018 World Junior Championships.
Kailer Yamamoto Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Yamamoto’s heritage includes Japanese descent through his paternal grandfather. He grew up in Spokane, Washington, alongside his older brother Keanu, with whom he shared early skating experiences.
Personal Life
Kailer Yamamoto married his longtime girlfriend Bailey Williams on August 10, 2025. The couple had been together since 2016. He currently resides in Spokane, Washington.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2024–25 season, Yamamoto joined the Utah Mammoth after a successful tryout. His preseason performance, including three goals in four games, earned him a one-year contract. While playing with the Tucson Roadrunners, the Mammoth’s AHL affiliate, he faced a suspension due to a spearing incident but remains an important offensive player for the organization. His experience and skill are expected to contribute to the team’s competitive efforts throughout the season.