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NHL Rumors: Edmonton Oilers trade Nail Yakupov to St. Louis Blues

By Dave Stevenson

Sep 26, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov (10) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames during a preseason hockey game at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov (10) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames during a preseason hockey game at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers have reportedly traded forward Nail Yakupov to the St. Louis Blues for a conditional draft pick. 

For quite some time, the Edmonton Oilers have tried to trade 2012 first overall pick Nail Yakupov. After a strong rookie season, it has become painfully clear he needs a change of scenery. According to Jason Gregor, the Oilers have agreed to send Yakupov to the Blues for a conditional draft pick in 2017 and forward prospect Zach Pochiro.

It remains to be seen precisely what the conditions will be for the pick. However, considering how desperate the Oilers were to get rid of Yakupov, it’s likely not much. The Blues are getting a very talented forward who has yet to live up to his potential as a first overall pick. It isn’t likely the prospect is much either. Pochiro had 26 points in 44 games last season in the ECHL.

Yakupov has 50 goals and 111 points in 252 NHL games. However, he has just 80 points over the past three seasons after getting 31 points in 48 games during the 2012-13 season. Yakupov thrived under head coach Ralph Krueger but hasn’t been able to find his game since Krueger got fired.

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While Ken Hitchcock and Yakupov presents an interesting dynamic, the Blues get a forward with a lot of potential for a very cheap price. If he doesn’t work out, the Blues have enough depth to make it work. However, if they can help Yakupov realize his full potential, this could be a trade the Oilers regret.

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Yakupov did quite well alongside Connor McDavid last season. Expect the Blues to use him on their third or fourth line as a scoring option. He could play his way into a top-six role because he definitely has the skill necessary to be a second or first line wing in the NHL.

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