Kailer Yamamoto is not short on confidence.
The Edmonton Oilers used the 22nd overall pick to select the 5-foot-8, 148-pound forward from the WHL's Spokane Chiefs, but don't let his size fool you.
In meeting with Yamamoto in advance of the draft, Chiarelli asked why the Oilers should draft him, and was quite impressed with the bold response.
"That’s a standard question you ask, and I’ve never really heard this answer," Chiarelli said, per Mark Spector of Sportsnet. "He said, 'Because (if you don’t) I’m going to come back and haunt you.' He’s a pretty confident kid, and he backs it up with his play."
Yamamoto earns high praise from Spokane staff for elusiveness but also willingness to attack bigger players. High hockey IQ, plays big.
— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) June 24, 2017
The 18-year-old registered 42 goals and 57 assists in 65 games for the Chiefs last season.
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