Nail Yakupov aces fitness test, Edmonton Oilers looking to talk with top prospect -NHL Update
Nail Yakupov, a Russian right winger who is expected to be this year’s top draft pick, certainly lived up to expectations by not only surviving the 13 gruesome physical tests at the National Hockey League (NHL) Scouting Combine in Toronto, but passed them
with flying colours.
The 18-year-old is believed to have gotten solid reviews from the judges and it seems that he is now all set to wow the world even further by being selected as the first overall later on in July when the 2012 NHL Entry Draft kicks off.
"I think this is the best moment in my life and it started [at the Combine]," Yakupov told the media."It's a big day for me and this was the first test in my life. We had fun here. There was good exercises, good bikes. I got to show how hard I work and how
to push. I feel great."
Yakupov was tipped off to be the top pick earlier in the year and working his way to get there. Edmonton Oilers have been reported to be preparing themselves to talk with the prospect and hope their conversation with the Russian forward will prove fruitful.
"He extended himself and put himself out there and gave everything he had," Edmonton scout, Stu MacGregor, told NHL.com. "I think that Nail wants to be No. 1 and he wants to prove he's No. 1, so he knows what's at stake and he's pushing himself to be the
best he can be."
A native of Nizhnekamsk, Russia, Yakupov has been playing for the past two seasons with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In 2010-2011, he put up 101 points (49 goals, 52 assists) in 65 games and 69 points (31 goals, 38 assists) in 41
games played in 2011-2012.
With Edmonton and Yakupov both excited for the upcoming entry draft, it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out. Oilers have successfully managed to grab the top drafts of the previous two drafts, but still are yet to play as an elite team.
The 2012 NHL Entry Draft weekend kicks off on July 1st.
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