Controversial Former First Overall Pick Nail Yakupov Hits a New Low With Mid-Season Trade

After a solid start to the new KHL season, former former No. 1 overall pick Nail Yakupov is reportedly on the move in a blockbuster trade in just his first season after joining Kunlun Red Star in recent times.

Despite being just 31-years of age, Nail Yakupov has not been in the NHL since the end of the 2017/18 season, ending a highly disappointing run in the league.

Since that point, he's been getting better in the KHL, playing fairly solid hockey four five different teams, while starting the 2024/25 campaign with Kunlun Red Star based in Beijing, China.

Now however, that run is over as he returns to his former team Avangard Omsk, who dealt for him in a blockbuster deal that also includes a Canadian defenseman and a lot of money.

The deal sends Yakupov back to Avangard Omsk after a successful run with the team, with the Red Star getting the equivalent to $400,000 USD in return in a move that benefits both parties.

This move comes after an 8-19 start for Kunlun Red Star, while Avangard Omsk haven't started a whole lot better, posting a 9-15 record through 24 games, while still being in contention for the top of the division.

During those 27 games, Yakupov has put up a solid 7 goals and 11 points during that stretch, and after having some great success with Avangard, it's certainly a move that should benefit both teams.

Ultimately, Yakupov is unfortunately never going to be the star that he was once expected to be after going No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft back in 2012, but if he can continue his success in the KHL, there's no doubting that he will be very happy with a solid, successful hockey career at the professional level.

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