The Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers have reportedly been discussing a trade involving 2012 first-overall pick Nail Yakupov.
[link_box id=”22277″ site_id=”17″ layout=”link-box-third” alignment=”alignright”]Multiple reports have come out suggesting Edmonton and Chicago have discussed a deal. Per Mark Spector of Sportsnet.ca, the Blackhawks would have Edmonton take on a large portion of Yakupov’s salary and trade AHL prospects in return.
https://twitter.com/SportsnetSpec/status/784086845046960128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/SportsnetSpec/status/784087231510122496
Bob McKenzie of TSN.ca reported on Twitter the Blackhawks have interest in Yakupov, but as of now, there’s nothing imminent regarding a trade.
“Regarding Yakupov to Chicago trade rumors, my understanding as follows: Chicago has had talks with Edmonton on Yak, could still have interest in him, but there is no imminent deal. Chicago, at this moment, still looking at their kids to fill holes, but maybe that changes at some point.”
Chicago’s interest isn’t surprising as Yakupov would represent a potential low-cost, high-reward player. But, Chicago does need to find wiggle room in its cap to facilitate a deal.
The Edmonton Oilers shouldn’t be in a rush to trade the 23-year-old Russian forward. Yakupov excelled playing with Connor McDavid in 2015-16, despite only putting up 23 points in 60 games on the season. Thought it seems as if Yakupov’s been in the league forever, he’s still young enough to turn his career around. Perhaps, not at the level you’d expect from a first overall pick, but Yakupov’s still got potential to become a middle-six forward. A deal might happen, but it’s not in Edmonton’s best interest to deal him now.
