Edmonton Oilers top prospect Nail Yakupov fails to impress following return to Russia -NHL Update
Nail Yakupov was one of those lucky youngsters who was allowed to play abroad during the lockout despite being a top level prospect for the Edmonton Oilers, who selected him as the first overall pick during round-one of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL)
Entry Draft.
The 19-year-old forward helped Russia in the time of need during the latest Subway Super Series by boosting them to the top of the event, but after his return to the native land, the youngster has been slow in picking up the goals.
Native of Nizhnekmask, Russia, Nail Yakupov potted 10 goals for his hometown team, the Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, before he left for Canada in order to take part in the series. Since then, Yakupov has only managed to register assists in the few games he has
played and remains scoreless up until this point in time.
In a total of 19 games played with the Russian club in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Nail Yakupov holds 10 goals and eight assists to his name thus far.
Prior to being picked up by the Edmonton Oilers, the Russian right winger played in two straight seasons with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Potting 101 points (49 goals, 52 assists) in the 65 games of season one, followed by another
spectacular performance of 69 points (31 goals, 38 assists) in 42 games in 2011-2012.
Edmonton Oilers locked in their top prospect this past offseason with a three-year, entry-level contract which is worth a total of $2.775 million, but can give him an annual amount of $3.775 million due to the $2.850 he is eligible to earn in potential bonuses.
Playing in the American Hockey League (AHL), would give him an annual salary of $70,000.
There is a lot of expectations for Nail Yakupov by the Edmonton Oilers and fans of the franchise as they yearn to reach the playoff next time around. Now with a trio of top prospects, not reaching the postseason next time around would definitely be embarrassing
for them.
It will definitely be interesting to continue following Yakupov in Russia as long as the lockout persists.
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