Observations:

April 2014 – Everyone knows the poor season that Yakupov experienced with the Oilers that came with several setbacks including injuries, intensity level and faith from the coach. Do not let this lower your opinion of his skill level as it would be expected that he will bounce back in a huge way, the only question we have is: ‘Will it be in Edmonton?’ Currently in fantasy circles, Yakupov is at his lowest value since when started appearing on ISS draft charts. It would be worth your while to discuss options with his owners in acquiring him for a lower price than a player of his talent would normally go for. On the flipside, owners of the former first overall pick should stay patient with him as you may need to be reminded he is still only 20 years young with massive upside once he figures out how to operate his tools and still be responsible to his team. Jason Banks

{source}
<div id=”imageright”><script type=”text/javascript” src=”http://ap.lijit.com/www/delivery/fpi.js?z=199099&u=dobbersports&width=300&height=250″></script></div>
{/source}

September 2013 – The 2012 1st overall pick, Nail Yakupov, led all rookies in the 2012-13 NHL season with 17 goals and 31 points (tied with Huberdeau). For the first time in a few years, Yakupov played in every games avoiding the injury bug that seemed to catch up with him in junior. The Russian sniper scored on 21% of his shots which led all rookies with 15+ games last season. That shooting percentage is quite high so don’t be surprised to see it fall slightly moving forward. Yakupov heads into his sophomore campaign and he’s surrounded by a bevy of young talent in Edmonton. Brendan Ross

December 2012 – Yakupov was named team captain for Russia as they host the 2013 WJC. Rich Dillon

October 2012 – Nail Yakupov was named to the 2012 Subway Super Series Team Russia Roster slated to compete in a six-game series against the Canadian Hockey League all-star teams from the QMJHL, OHL and WHL in November. It is expected that Yakupov will represent Russia as team captain. Brendan Ross

October 2012 – Clipping along at nearly a point-per-game pace in the KHL (seven points, eight games), Nail Yakupov will board his flight immediately upon the signing of the new CBA. Brendan Ross

June 2012 – The Oilers selected Sarnia Sting winger Nail Yakupov 1st overall at the 2012 NHL Draft. Brendan Ross

May 2012 – Nail Yakupov was the recipient of the Jack Link’s CHL Top Prospect of the Year award after finishing his second OHL season with 31 goals and 69 points in a shortened 42 game season. Yakupov remains the top ranked prosect for the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft topping all major scouting lists. Brendan Ross

April 2012 – Yakupov has had to endure an up-and-down draft year battling through numerous injuries to his back, knee and head.  The elusive Yakupov has done well to avoid contact in his transition to North American hockey but in March he was laid out resulting in a concussion.  Returning for the playoffs, Yakupov was not the same player before the hit as he was playing a bit tentatively, as expected.  Yakupov’s biggest strength is his ability to utilize his superb skating and aggressive offensive attack to put the opposition on their heels and it will be interesting to see if he forfeits some of that aggression post-injury.  Yakupov remains the favorite for the first overall selection in 2012. Brendan Ross

February 2012 – The increasingly unanimous favorite to be the first overall selection at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Nail Yakupov is an offensive sparkplug. Blessed with explosive speed, a deep repertoire of slick dekes and a chip on his shoulder, the Russian winger tore up the OHL as a rookie in 2010-11, and has elevated his production for the Sarnia Sting again this season. John Canario

Fantasy Outlook: A+

Ideal blue-chip fantasy prospect, capable of producing elite totals in a variety of offensive categories.

Footage:

Nail Yakupov 2010-11 highlights:

{youtube}g0jYeMxygFU{/youtube}

Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

{source}
<iframe src=”http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats_small.php?player=21228″ width=”100%” height=”250″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ ></iframe>
{/source}