I bet he’s picturing himself rolling around in money. Or something. (photo: screenshot/edmontonoilers.com)

First-overall NHL Draft pick Nail Yakupov is well on his way to becoming a real solid part of the Edmonton Oilers organization. His brand-spankin’-new three-year, entry-level contract is set up to earn him 925,000 dollars a year with a nice little cap hit of 3.755 million dollars.

“I’m pretty excited,” he said. “I can’t wait to meet the guys, meet the team and start practicing. I’m very, very excited.”

» Continue reading “Yakupov Inked”

Should I stay, or should I go? (photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

Edmonton Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini announced that his club has extended qualifying offers to the following RFA’s: Devan Dubnyk, Sam Gagner, Linus Omark, Theo Peckham, Jeff Petry, Alex Plante and Chris VandeVelde.

This leaves…  » Continue reading “Drafting, Signing and Training”

Wow, uh. Don't look so excited, man.

“The Edmonton Oilers are so proud to select, from the Sarnia Sting, Nail Yakupov.”

Tambellini kept it short and simple, didn’t get booed, and surprised of the people that were watching the 2012 NHL Draft.

» Continue reading “Top Of the Class: Nail Yakupov”

Looks easy, right? (photo: screenshot/edmontonoilers.com)

Nail Yakupov, an NHL prospect who played for the Sarnia Sting in the OHL last season and is ranked No. 1 by NHL Central Scouting, has arrived in Edmonton for a tour of the city and meetings with the Oilers management. He’ll have dinner with Oilers owner Daryl Katz and be interviewed countless times, no doubt.

Since the Edmonton Oilers have the first overall pick in the upcoming Draft (what’s that? You didn’t know?), and Yakupov is one of the few guys slated to be a first­-overall pick, it makes sense for him to get friendly with his possible future team.

» Continue reading “Nail Yakupov in Edmonton”