Blackhawks, Oilers reportedly discussing Yakupov trade
By Sammi Silber
The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly interested in Edmonton Oilers winger Nail Yakupov.
As per multiple sources and reports, the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers are discussing a possible trade involving Nail Yakupov.
Barstool Sports “Chief” Ryan was the first report that Chicago started gaining interest in Yakupov and was prepared to discuss a deal with Edmonton.
Hearing that the Blackhawks are making a deal for Yakupov per sources. Not sure who is going back to Edmonton or if money is being retained
— Chief (@BarstoolChief) October 6, 2016
Jay Zawaski, a journalist with 670 The Score in Chicago, confirmed the reports and mentioned the two sides were discussing a possible deal.
“The deal is not done yet,” Zawaski tweeted. “If it is done, no current Hawks roster players will go to EDM. Likely d-man and C.”
Yakupov was the Oilers first overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. After five different head coaches and bouts with poor management, the Russian winger has struggled to develop into the top-six winger he was supposed to be.
Not to mention, Yakupov has fallen victim to adversity and injury and has failed to impress in the opportunities he was given. As Jesse Puljujarvi and Kris Versteeg impress, and with the rise of Tyler Pitlick, Yakupov is at risk of being the odd man out.
Chicago would benefit greatly from Yakupov. He would develop well alongside Artemi Panarin, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and other impressive forwards on the Blackhawks roster, and would likely help bring more offense and speed.
Sportsnet’s Mark Spector chimed in on the speculation, confirming that the two sides are indeed talking about a potential trade. However, no deal is imminent at the moment.
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The main problem appears to be money; while Chicago would send AHL players back to Edmonton, they want the Oilers to retain some of Yakupov’s salary. Chicago is low in cap space, and no one wants to pay too much for an underdeveloped, injury-prone and unproven winger. Yakupov’s value is not as high as once thought, and the Oilers shouldn’t expect to get much in return for the deal.
The Blackhawks reportedly aren’t the only team in on the deal. As per Spector, the Oilers have been in discussions with many teams regarding Yakupov over the last six months, including the New Jersey Devils.
Bob McKenzie mentioned that no deal appears to be pending between the two teams.
Regarding Yakupov to CHI trade rumors, my understanding as follows: CHI has had talks with EDM on Yak, could still have interest in him...
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 6, 2016
...but there is no imminent deal. CHI, at this moment, still looking at their kids to fill holes, but maybe that changes at some point.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 6, 2016
However, general managers Stan Bowman and Peter Chiarelli have discussed Yakupov in the past. Depending on how things go through the rest of training camp and into the regular season, a deal could happen.
We will provide more updates as more comes out, but right now, it’s possible that Yakupov could be on his way out of Edmonton.