Nail Yakupov is off to a torrid start in St. Louis, following a much-needed departure from the Edmonton Oilers organization.
The 23-year-old has been producing on offense and has been a revelation for the Blues – playing with an extra pep in his step and generating scoring chances in his new uniform. Yak’s new teammate, goaltender Jake Allen, believes the former first overall pick is starting to show that he’s an elite player in the NHL.
“He’s been a huge addition to our team, I think this new start for him is going to be huge. He’s already showing in the first 5 games that he’s an elite player in this league. I know he didn’t turn out the way he’d like to here in Edmonton – wished it was. But, he’s getting a new opportunity with us and he’s really making the most of it.”
Yakupov isn’t an elite player, but Allen is right, he’s finally showing his talents which made him drafted first overall. There’s never been questioned about Yakupov’s skill level, but instead, about his two-way game and consistency. It’s a small sample size, but he’s quashed all those concerns. Yakupov is comfortable and his game is better for it. The Blues are a great destination to revive his once promising career.
[R/hockey]
