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Prospect Report: Nail Yakupov
Blog — By PuckCentralHQ on April 20, 2012 11:54 AM
Player Bio:
Player Name: Nail Yakupov
Date of Birth: October.6th,1993
Place of Birth: Nizhnekamsk, Russia
Height: 5’11 Weight: 189lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Right Wing
Team: Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Puck Central Draft Ranking: Number 1
NHL Potential: First line Winger/NHL Superstar
NHL Comparison: Pavel Bure
The Scoop:
Nail Yakupov is the favorite to go first overall in this year upcoming NHL Entry-Draft. He started the season as the favorite, and despite fellow Russian, Mikhail Grigorenko, knocking at his door, he’s managed to maintain top status. He was drafted 2nd overall in the 2010 CHL Import Draft, by the Sarnia Sting. He took the OHL by storm in his rookie season by scoring 49 goals, and 101 points in 65 games, enough to lead the entire CHL in rookie scoring. To top off his impressive rookie season, he took home OHL Rookie of the Year, and CHL Rookie of the Year. Expectations were very high for Yakupov heading into his sophomore season, and draft year. For the most part he did not disappoint. He started the year hot but when he got injured during the World Juniors Championship game his season sort of staggered a bit. He would go on to suffer a couple minor injuries, which would result in missed games, and effected his play. However this hasn’t hurt his draft ranking any, but it has made some question his durability. He still managed to score 31 goals and 69 points in 42 games this season, and he also dished out 9 assists in 6 games played at the World Junior Championships.
Some scouts have said that Nail Yakupov is the best prospect since Sidney Crosby in 2005. He has a lethal shot,explosive skating, and slick hands, not to mention he can play a physical, North American style game. He’s highly competitive and will do anything to win, although he gets caught doing too much at times. From what I’ve seen of Yakupov, he’s capable of taking over a game by himself, and can easily control the pace of the game. He gives it his all every shift, and is usually a difference maker. He loves the sport of hockey, and that’s all he wants to do. In an interview he said that when he comes to the rink he shuts everything out, and just focuses on hockey, this is something that all the greats have the ability to do. On top of his skill he has a great personality, which makes him well liked by teammates. Also since coming from Russia a few years ago his english has improved immensely, which is a nice asset to any team wanting to draft him.
Yakupov is an exciting player and which ever team drafts him, which will surely be at 1st Overall, will have a potential franchise player. He’s skilled enough to make an immediate impact in the NHL, and in a few short years will likely be competing for scoring titles, and major awards. He has publicly said he loves Canada and would love to play on the Edmonton Oilers (They own the 1st Overall pick right now) so I don’t think there will ever be an issue of him not wanting to play in the NHL or leaving the NHL for the KHL, so I don’t think he should be pegged with the “Russian Factor”. Expectations are high for this player but there’s no doubt in my mind, or many others, that he won’t have any trouble living up to them.
Strong Points:
• Deadly Shot
• Explosive Skater
• Game Changer
• Great Hands
• Plays Physical
• Great Vision
• Ridiculous Celly’s
• Plays Physical
• Great Vision
• Ridiculous Celly’s
• Very Strong
• Very Competitive
Weak Points:
• Not Strong Defensively
• Tries To Do Too Much
• Doesn’t Use His Teammates Enough
• Too Reckless , Which Leads To Injuries
• Isn’t Very Big
Interesting Facts:
• He’s Muslim
• His favorite player growing up was Pavel Bure
• His agent is Russian legend,Igor Larionov
• He lives with friend/teammate, Alex Galchenyuk, who is also a Top Prospect
Which Prospect do you want to see next? Let me know by commenting or tweeting me at @PuckCentralHQ!
68 Comments
yakupov is phenomenal. the oilers are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the near future. good time to be a flames fan. nope
what a shock a Russian who doesn’t use his team mates… no stereotype there
but you have to say that the top three russians in the show might be top 5 in the world! datsyuk, ovi, malkin! unreal players come from russia
haha
What’s his personality like? North American type guy, or a Russian at heart? Lots of teams are still afraid to take Russians because of guys jumping to the KHL.
Kid wants to play in North America. Said he he watched the NHL everyday after school, and said he wants to win a stanley cup like his idols Pavel Datsyuk, and Evgeni Malkin. I don’t think he’ll be a threat to leave, unless he can’t compete at this level but any player who can’t compete at the NHL level usually leave for Europe.
hell of a player
Should be an exciting draft year and next year exciting to watch these guys perform for sure.
I’ll second that. Always interesting to watch some new blood from year to year.
gunna be a stud, would look good with datsyuk haha
Hahaha This kid would look good with anyone, he’s going to be a stud.
If the Oilers take him wow are they gonna be unreal
I’m still learnign how to use everything so I didn’t get any videos up but I’m going to try and get some up for my next prospect report! Who do you guys want me to do next?!
Ryan Murray
hes gonna be a stud on the Oilers along with Nuge, Hall and Eberle
This dude is gonna be a stud
nail is sick
unreal
beauty
sick
did not know he was Muslim
The last thing the Oilers need right now is another small forward who can be a defensive liability! I hope the Oilers trade their 1st overall pick for the 2nd or 3rd and take Ryan Murray!
hes a completly unreal player
yess
seen the kid play, he’s got it all.
such a stud
stud
this kids amazing
great hockey player
awesome review! You should do this for all of the top ranked players
Awesome report! I’ll second the Ryan Murray for next one.
i have seen this guy play he is a god damn beast. he will be good in the nhl for sure
pretty sick but i dont think he will ever be a superstar
filthy player
kids going to be a stud, lets hope he remains healthy
it looks like some1 is trying to buy the cup… again
Do a write up on his roommate!
Edmonton is rediculously lucky with these 1st overall picks, with guys like him, Hallsy, Eberle, and RNH they’re gonna be really good for a long time
ryan murray next
he will be a good player
just needs to get a bit stronger
Cant wait to see this guy on the ice
Wish he could be on the Caps
great article puckcentral
fail for nail!
1st overal?
burkie get it done
I dont like this kid
Yeaa future stud
so much swag, whatta beauty
hes such a good player
great player
nastiest mitts
Sounds like a sick player
the kids a star
Unreal!
unreal player
amazing player
hes gonna be a unreal player
filthhh
unreal
such a beauty
unreal
good stuff !!!!
nice stuff
good stuff!
unreal
cool
nails