The Edmonton Oilers continue to make moves, trading Nail Yakupov to the St. Louis Blues. The deal comes after a summer where the Oilers moved Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils for defenceman Adam Larsson. The Blues announced that they have sent prospect Zach Pochiro and a conditional pick to the Oilers in exchange for Yakupov.
The pick is a conditional 3rd round pick in 2017, that would turn into a second rounder in 2018 if Yakupov scores 15 or more goals for the Blues.
BREAKING NEWS: #stlblues acquire Nail Yakupov from Edmonton in exchange for Zach Pochiro and a conditional pick. https://t.co/4LyLdQfdYg
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 7, 2016
According to league sources, the #stlblues are on the verge of acquiring Edmonton forward Nail Yakupov.
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) October 7, 2016
Yakupov, 23, was the No. 1 overall pick in 2012. He has 50 goals and 11 points in 252 games.
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) October 7, 2016
I can confirm. Yakupov traded to Blues. Unsure of return at this time. #Oilers
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) October 7, 2016
Edmonton Oilers trade Nail Yakupov
After being drafted 1st overall by the Oilers in the 2012 NHL Draft, Nail Yakupov has not lived up to expectations. He was compared to Pavel Bure when he was drafted because of his ability to score goals and skate. However, he has failed to live up to those expectations. After four seasons in the NHL, he has accumulated 111 points in 252 games. While it is somewhat unfair to compare Yakupov to a hall of famer, he has been the most disappointing of all the recent first overall picks in the NHL. Yakupov’s new team will hope that a change of scenary will help him
The Oilers had been fielding calls on Yakupov since at least the trade deadline. While it is unlikely he will be a top line winger on his new club, at least right away. There is hope that he can finally live up to the potential he showed with the Sarnia Sting. He is still just 22-years-old.
Yakupov had just eight goals, and 23 points in 60 games for the Oilers last season. He has scored 50 goals and 111 points in 252 career games over his four-year NHL career. Yakupov has one year remaining on his current contract, with a $2.5 million cap hit. He is scheduled to be a restricted free agent on July 1st, 2017.
Poricho, 22, is a centre drafted by the Blues in the fourth round, 112th overall, in the 2013 NHL Draft. He spent last season with the ECHL’s Quad City Mallards, scoring nine goals and 26 points in 44 games.
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