Nail Yakupov is off to a strong start in the KHL
Former 2012 first overall pick Nail Yakupov is off to a great start for KHL's Kunlun Red Star.
Nail Yakupov is one of those players that makes Edmonton Oilers fans cringe. He was the NHL's first overall pick in 2012, but is arguably the biggest bust of all time. He bounced around the league a little since his emergence in the NHL, and finished his last days in North America with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2017-2018 season.
Despite him being a huge disappointment for the Oilers franchise, Yakupov has seen an explosive uptrend in his game, being named to the KHL's best players of week 1.
According to Caleb Kerney of The Hockey News, with four points in his first three games, Yakupov was named one of the players of the week in the KHL. One of his three goals was of the game winning variety. He has also registered three hits and two blocked shots.
Over the last three KHL seasons his production has fluctuated. He produced 26 points in 2021-22 and then 10 and 19 points respectively in the two years since. He's already recorded over 20% of his point totals from last year, and he's only played three games.
Maybe this is the year that Yakupov finally reaches his offensive potential. Although it wont be in the NHL, the former first overall pick seems to be gaining some traction in his home country.
source: The hockey News
Former Oiler Has Surprisingly Special Start
| POLL | ||
Does he have MVP potential in the KHL? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 37.3 % |
| No | 52 | 62.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
