The Edmonton Oilers were shopping right winger Nail Yakupov for a few seasons. Yakupov, 23, was drafted 1st overall in June 2012 by the Oilers. In his rookie season 012-013, he looked like his career was off to promising start. He played in 48 games, scoring 17 goals, and getting 14 assists. He scored 6 power play goals, and 2 game winners. Since then, Yakupov's numbers seemed to have dropped. He fell out of favor in Edmonton, and looked like he needed a change of scenery. For whatever reason, he wasn't going to live up to his potential in Edmonton.On Friday, he got a good change of scenery being traded to the St. Louis Blues for prospect Zach Pochiro and a conditional draft pick. The Blues also needed another right winger, after losing David Backes in free agency. The Blues also will be without forward Jaden Schwartz for a bit, due to an injury. So, Yakupov could find new life on the Blues. There are more veterans on the Blues, unlike Edmonton had. That could help Yakupov too. Will he do well for the Blues? That will be found out, I could see him scoring 15-20 goals, if he's given ice team and does well. Yakupov should see plenty of ice time to start the season. It's also a contract year for Yakupov, he will be a restricted free agent.
He has the talent to be good, he just need to put it together. If he finds a way to put it together in St Louis, this is a big trade for the Blues. For now, it's a low risk and high reward type of move.
Yakupov's career stats: 252 games, 50 goals, 61 assists, 111 points, and is a -88.
