The Edmonton Oilers have placed forward Kailer Yamamoto on the long term injured reserve (LTIR) list with an undisclosed injury retroactive to January 11 meaning he was injured during the 6–2 win over the Anaheim Ducks last week. Jason Gregor noted yesterday that Yamamoto practiced the day after the Ducks game and even took the morning skate in San Jose.
Frank Seravalli was the first to break the news of the injury and it appears the move to LTIR is so the Oilers can be cap compliant for Evander Kane’s return.
Yamamoto struggled early on in the season
Yamamoto was injured early this season as well and will miss his 15th game tonight while posting four goals and eight assists for 12 points. He has a plus-minus of +7 in 31 games so far in what many, including myself, have called a disappointing season. Because of his inconsistent play and movement up and down the lineup I was surprised when I researched at his advanced stats.
Yamamoto has a 51.70 CF%, 54.25 HDCF% and a 70 HDCF%. Eleven of his twelve points have come from even strength and across the board his 5v5 numbers are impressive. When healthy, Yamamoto is a contributor at 5v5 despite only posting 0.39 points per game. The most impressive are his giveaway/takeaway and high danger chances for stats but 41 hits and 10 blocked shots is worth noting as well.
Oilers’ lineup
The Oilers have activated Kane from LTIR and Jack Campbell was in the starter net this morning.
With Campbell starting and no changes on defence expected, it is incredibly difficult to guess what tonight’s starting lineup will be. However these were the line rushes from practice yesterday:
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