Former Edmonton Oilers first overall pick Nail Yakupov hits rock bottom

Former first overall pick of the Edmonton OIlers in 2012 appears to be getting ready to make a return to hockey, but it doesn't appear to be in the NHL. Nail Yakupov appears to have signed a contract with the Kunlun Red Star in the KHL. This will mark the 7th straight season he plays in the KHL, as clearly there is still no team in the NHL that has any interest in his services.

Multiple sources have been confirming that Nail Yakupov is very close to signing this deal in the KHL and it finally came true.

The last time that Nail Yakupov played in the NHL was with the Colorado Avalanche in 2017-18. He played 58 games in his final NHL season, collecting a measly 16 points. It was slightly better for Yakupov in the KHL last season as he scored 19 points in 31 games with Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk.

Will Nail Yakupov prove in his 7th KHL season that he is finally ready to ready to return to the NHL one day?

Only time will tell but if history proves anything, it will not be an easy task for him.

Source:
Jesse-Courville Lynch on X

Source: HockeyDB
Nail Yakupov Stats