Nail Yakupov signs a new contract, resumes his career
The biggest bust in NHL history?
It's hard to believe that it's now been a dozen years since the Edmonton Oilers drafted Russian winger Nail Yakupov 1st overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Yakupov was seen as a can't miss prospect and was the projected 1st pick by nearly every scout and analyst in the game. He'd, of course, go on to an underwhelming NHL career highlighted by selfish play and a poor aptitude for team systems. The fact is that Yakupov was always supremely skilled with the puck, but he was a nightmare away from the puck (particularly defensively) and he had a very difficult time adjusting to NHL-level structure. He simply couldn't figure the game out is the best way to put things. All the tools, but no toolbox.
He did, however, provide a few highlights in his time with the Oilers:
Yakupov departed the NHL for the KHL in 2018 after 350 career NHL games and hasn't looked back.
Earlier this week he signed a new contract with Kunlun Red Star, the KHL's lone Chinese franchise.
It's certainly one Hell of a ride to go from #1 draft pick in the NHL to playing on the 3rd line in Beijing, China...
It's something of a reboot for Yakupov... yet again. Yakupov attempted to rejuvenate his stalling KHL career last season by signing a one year deal with his hometown team Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. He managed just 18 points in 31 games due partly to injury and was not retained by the club. Another reset that turned into a setback for the former #1 pick.
Unfortunately for Yakupov, until another #1 pick flames out his career in even more spectacular fashion, he'll be seen as the NHL's all-time draft bust. For years Alexandre Daigle was the butt of jokes, but it's safe to say that Daigle's career exceeded that of Yakupov... quite easily, honestly. Daigle never came close to fulfilling on the promise he showed as a young prospect, but at least he managed 600+ NHL games. Yakupov, by comparison, played just one full season over six years and topped out at a career high 31 points in a season. He managed 62 goals and 136 points split between the Oilers, St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche. Daigle scored 129 goals and 327 points in 616 career NHL games split between the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota Wild.
