Ht/Wt: 5'11"/189 lbs
Position: RW
Team: Sarnia (OHL)

Nail Yakupov's Player Profile

Nail Yakupov is arguably the most highly skilled player available in the 2012 NHL Draft. In the 2010-2011 season, he put up outstanding numbers, recording 101 points in 65 games, and scoring nearly 50 goals for the Sarnia Sting of the OHL. This was as a rookie. Scouts are already drooling over Yakupov's skill that will surely make him a top scorer in the NHL someday. Selected 2nd overall by the Sting in the 2010 CHL Import Draft, Yakupov played along fellow rookie star Alex Galchenyuk this past season, and it will be interesting to watch the two dominate helpless defensemen during the 2011-2012 season.

Yakupov has been criticized for being a selfish player by some, but others love how he uses his teammates to score goals. “The Russian Factor” scares some NHL scouts away, but Yakupov has made it clear that he has no intentions of leaving the NHL for the KHL. Nail Yakupov is certainly one of the premier players available in the 2012 Draft, and will very likely be selected in the first three picks, barring any serious issues arising. This CHL Rookie of the Year has loads of potential, and will surely be an NHL star very soon.
Submitted by: David O'Connor

An extremely skilled winger, Yakupov is the hottest thing to come out of Russia since Alex Ovechkin and is already drawing comparisons to the superstar. He showed no signs of a tough adjustment to major junior, becoming just the fifth rookie in fifteen years to earn over 100 points. Elite skill on offense make up for some defensive shortcomings and size is a factor, though he has at least a year or more to fill out his frame and grow. All in all a possible future superstar.
Submitted by: Bek Aliev

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Nail Yakupov Videos

Nail Yakupov Combine Test [HD]

NHL 2012 Entry Draft Profile: Nail Yakupov

2012 Draft Prospect: Nail Yakupov

Nail Yakupov Highlights



More Nail Yakupov Highlights



Nail Yakupov 2 goals + shootout goal vs Sault Ste.Marie (2012-02-12)



Nail Yakupov Checks Brett Cook Through the Glass






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