Nail Yakupov Selected With No. 1 Selection By Edmonton Oilers

Matthew Brigidi on Fri, 2012-06-22 19:25

With the No. 1 overall selection in the 2012 NHL Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected Nail Yakupov.

Yakupov has long been considered the top prospect in the 2012 draft class boasting

explosive speed, physical toughness and a scoring touch that terrifies opponents.

Taken with the second overall selection in the 2010 Canadian Hockey League Draft,

the five-foot-eleven, 190 pound, winger has spent the last two seasons with the

Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League where he has racked up 80 goals, 90

assists and 170 total points in 107 regular season games played.

At just 18 years of age, he has the potential to develop into a dynamic player at the

next level who is capable of changing a game at his will.

While there is always some question surrounding Russian players and their desire

to play in the NHL, Yakupov has been outspoken in his desire to play in the league

rather than chase the potential riches of the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia.

A native of the Republic of Tatarstan (a federal subject of the Russian Federation),

Yakupov grew up idolizing fellow countryman, Pavel Bure.

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