First pick of the 2012 NHL draft Nail Yakupov eager to get things going in NHL
Nail Yakupov, the Russian forward who was selected first overall in the first round of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) draft by Edmonton Oilers of the Western Conference, cannot wait to start his NHL career when the season begins.
The talented 18-year-old has already arrived to prepare for his first season in NHL, even though there are no fixtures for Oilers in next 30 days, but still Yakupov is eager to go on the ice.
Talking to reporters on Thursday, Nail Yakupov told that he has already started warming-up for the season and analysing few things as there is nothing to do in Russia for him. He wants to start the work and get ready as he said,
"I started working out with the guys. Just seeing my place and just be here. There's nothing to do in Russia. Just have to start work and get ready for camp."
The 5-foot-11, 185 pounder has already got some practice and playing minutes as he was a part of Russian team that played against Canada in Canada-Russia hockey challenge series. There were four matches in the series, two of which were played in Russia and two in Canada. The series was very tough as matches were tied 1-1 in Russia, 1-1 in Canada before it was decided in overtime where Canada won it.
Nizhnekamsk, Russia resident, also talked about that series as he said,
"It was tough because it's the first games in the season, you're playing against Canada. It was two different games in Russia and Canada because we have the big rink [in Russia] and Canada has the small rink. But it was fun. We play for the fans, and we play for Yaroslavl."
Nail Yakupov is coming after playing two great seasons for Sarnia Sting in Ontario Hockey League as he scored more than 100 points in 2010-2011 season in just 65 games by scoring 49 goals, 52 assists and 101 points and in last season scored 69 points in just 42 games with 31 goals and 38 assists.
This year Yakupov was also part of Russian team that won silver medal in world junior championships and contributed 9 assists in 7 games.
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