Former Edmonton Oilers first overall pick Nail Yakupov hits rock bottom
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Daniel Lucente
August 13, 2024 (11:02)
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Photo credit: USA Today
There was once a time where Nail Yakupov had so much potential for the Edmonton Oilers but it all went wrong. It appears to be now getting worse in the KHL.
Former first overall pick of the Edmonton OIlers in 2012 appears to be getting ready to make a return to hockey, but it doesn't appear to be in the NHL. Nail Yakupov appears to have signed a contract with the Kunlun Red Star in the KHL. This will mark the 7th straight season he plays in the KHL, as clearly there is still no team in the NHL that has any interest in his services.
Multiple sources have been confirming that Nail Yakupov is very close to signing this deal in the KHL and it finally came true.
The last time that Nail Yakupov played in the NHL was with the Colorado Avalanche in 2017-18. He played 58 games in his final NHL season, collecting a measly 16 points. It was slightly better for Yakupov in the KHL last season as he scored 19 points in 31 games with Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk.