Regarding Yamamoto, Seravalli analyzes the implications of a buyout. Instead of receiving $3.1 million next season, the Oilers would only need to pay him under $1 million over the next two seasons, creating valuable cap space for pursuing top free agents or making trades.
At just 24 years old, Yamamoto's production has been underwhelming, with only 25 points in 58 games last season. Despite being drafted in 2017 as a promising small-sized forward, he has yet to exceed 50 points in a season, with his career-best being 41 in 2021-22.