Dan Carrozzi
Kailer Yamamoto
The New York Rangers should draft Kailer Yamamoto in the first round of the NHL entry draft.
Simply put, the diminutive winger is one of the most dynamic players in the draft.
Last season for the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL, Yamamoto scored an impressive 42 goals and 99 points in 65 games. His point totals have progressively increased each year in juniors.
Yamamoto compares very well to another right shot, undersized player who also played for the Spokane Chiefs. Like Tyler Johnson, Yamamoto can really pack some heat on his shot, despite his size. He also has soft hands and is quick skater.
Akin to other players of his stature who are successful at the next level, he is lauded for his playmaking ability and overall skill. He also has a nose for the net and isn’t afraid to get to the dirty areas to make plays.
The biggest knock on Yamamoto, is of course his size. Listed at 5’8” and around 150lbs, he will certainly need to bulk up, whether or not he grows in height.
For this reason, Yamamoto is predicted to fall to later in the first round. If he is still available, the Rangers should jump to scoop him up. They can’t let a player with his high-end skillset pass them by.