"Just about every part of this season has been a little bit «off» for Yamamoto. He hasn't seemed quite right. He's been dealing with a vestibular system issue, symptoms not all that different than a concussion, for a large chunk of the year, which also kept him out of the lineup in the early part of 2023. When he's been healthy, Yamamoto can be an impact contributor. He collected 20 goals last season. It's just that the Oilers will have other players to pay (see:
Evan Bouchard) and limited room to make deals, making him potentially expendable." Seravalli said.