The Edmonton Oilers are 16-6-3 since Dec. 31.

The same day marked the return of Kailer Yamamoto to the team’s lineup.

Coincidence? Possibly. But there’s no doubt the fiery, undersized winger has been a significant contributor to the team’s winning ways since New Year’s Eve.

Since being recalled from the AHL, the team’s first-round pick in 2017 (22nd overall) boasts 24 points in 25 games — predominantly slotting in next to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl — along with the third-best Corsi For percentage among regulars, according to Natural Stat Trick, and the fourth-best GAR (Goals Above Replacement), according to Evolving Hockey, in significantly fewer total minutes.

After a rare pointless showing in Saturday’s victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, the 21-year-old was modest about his success in his third attempt at sticking with the big club in an appearance on Hockey Night in Canada‘s After Hours.

“My first two years, I didn’t perform how I should’ve, but this year it’s going a lot better. Being able to play with Nuge and Drai has helped me a lot. They’ve been talking to me a lot and it’s been going good so far,” said Yamamoto.

The right-winger had two previous tours of duty with the Oilers to start both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns, but failed to find a permanent home in Edmonton.

But after racking up 16 points in 23 games with Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, Yamamoto earned another shot, and he’s made the most of it.

Despite finding quick success back with the Oilers, the native of Spokane, Wash., wasn’t entirely confident that he’d secured a spot in Edmonton.

When his teammate Caleb Jones was told that he was staying with the club for the rest of the season just prior to the All-Star break but Yamamoto hadn’t received any assurances, he started to fret.

“I was like ‘Oh no, I’m going down. But it was the next game and he told me, I was going on All-Star break and I was going to get a housing letter,” reflected Yamamoto.

“Oh, it’s awesome. It’s one of the best feelings. Just being able to get that housing letter and knowing you’re going to be up here for a while. So it was good and definitely enjoyed that night.”

The five-foot-eight, 153-pound forward — who is becoming known for his feistiness despite his small stature — Yamamoto credited his father, a former wrestler, and his background in the sport for his never-say-die attitude on the ice.

“He was pretty hard on me, but he definitely taught me you gotta battle, you’re the smallest guy, so you gotta find a way,” he said.

Yamamoto’s brother, Keanu, was also integral to his development.

On top of their youth spent together, the pair also played alongside each other for three years with their hometown Spokane Chiefs in the WHL.

Keanu, 23, is in his third year at McGill University and contemplating taking a chance at trying to join his brother in the NHL by pursuing a pro career overseas after he graduates.

“He’s always been there ever since Day 1. Just being able to grow up and play hockey with him — he taught me just a lot about myself, about the game … how to compete, how to play against bigger players.

“So really thankful for him and I was able to be with him for so long.”

And it’s this type of game that is becoming Yamamoto’s calling card and helping him earn his keep in Edmonton.