When Nail Yakupov was chosen first overall in the 2012 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, expectations had been sky-high. Followers and scouts all believed the younger Russian winger had the potential to be a dynamic star within the NHL. However regardless of flashes of brilliance, his profession by no means reached the elite heights many had envisioned. So, what occurred to Yakupov, and the place is he now?
Yakupov’s Early Promise However Unmet Expectations
Yakupov’s rookie season in 2012-13 was filled with promise. In simply 48 video games, he scored 17 targets and posted 31 factors, exhibiting off his pure scoring contact. Nonetheless, his success didn’t translate to long-term consistency. His following seasons with the Oilers had been a sequence of ups and downs. He confirmed flashes of his talent—scoring 14 targets within the 2014-15 season. Nonetheless, his general impression was restricted by defensive struggles and a scarcity of growth into a whole participant. By the tip of his time in Edmonton, it turned clear that Yakupov wasn’t the mega-star the Oilers had hoped for once they drafted him.
In 2016, after 4 disappointing seasons in Edmonton, Yakupov was traded to the St. Louis Blues. Maybe a change of surroundings would assist unlock his potential. Sadly, his efficiency remained lackluster, and he was rapidly moved once more. This time to the Colorado Avalanche picked him up for the 2017-18 season. His time with the Avalanche was short-lived.
In consequence, Yakupov’s NHL profession ended too quickly with 62 targets and 74 assists in 350 video games. In actuality, his play was a far cry from the expectations set for him as a first-overall choose.
Yakupov Discovered His Method House to the KHL
After leaving the NHL, Yakupov discovered new life within the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), the place he joined SKA St. Petersburg. He loved some success, significantly within the 2018-19 season, scoring 23 targets and including ten assists in 47 video games. Nonetheless, his time within the KHL has been inconsistent. Since his sturdy debut yr, Yakupov has struggled to take care of elite manufacturing. Even in Russia he’s had solely two seasons out of the previous eight wherein he scored double-digit targets.
Most lately, Yakupov performed for a number of KHL groups, together with Avangard Omsk and Neftekhamsk Neftekhimik. Within the 2023-24 season, he posted eight targets and 11 assists in 31 video games with Neftekhamsk earlier than shifting to Kunlun Crimson Star. Whereas not spectacular, his journey within the KHL has allowed him to maintain his profession afloat. That mentioned, it’s evident that the participant who as soon as intrigued followers in Edmonton by no means reached his early promise.
Yakupov Reminds Followers About How Hockey Futures Can Change
Now 31, Yakupov has expressed a want to return to the NHL, and unsubstantiated rumors have swirled about him in search of an expert tryout (PTO) with an NHL crew. Nonetheless, given his struggles to remain constant within the KHL, it appears unlikely. Whereas he’s had a stable skilled profession, he’s by no means discovered the shape that made him the highest choose.
His time within the KHL has proven that he can nonetheless play at a excessive degree. However it’s onerous to disregard that his NHL profession didn’t fairly stay as much as expectations. The query is whether or not a crew will give him one other shot or if his time within the prime North American league has come to a everlasting shut. Most likely the reply is Nyet.
In any case, Yakupov’s story is a reminder of how rapidly careers can change within the NHL and the way even the brightest prospects can typically fall in need of their immense potential. What comes subsequent for him may very well be anybody’s guess, however his legacy as the primary general choose will stay part of hockey historical past, for higher or worse. Edmonton followers possible imagine the latter.
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