Nail Yakupov requested to be dealt before the trade deadline, a look at what trading Jordan Eberle for a defenseman could do to the Oilers roster and more.
Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov reportedly requested to be dealt before the recent trade deadline.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jonathan Willis cited a report from Igor Eronko of Russia’s Sports-Express claiming Edmonton Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov requested a trade before the recent NHL trade deadline. Yakupov claims about eight teams were interested but something went wrong before the deadline. Yakupov also has no interest of playing in the KHL and is hopeful a trade could take place this summer. Willis speculates the Oilers are likely to get back another young player who’s also struggled early in his NHL career.
David Staples lists the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning and Winnipeg Jets among the clubs most in need of a second-line right wing next season.
Willis also recently examined the effect trading right wing Jordan Eberle for a top-pairing defenseman would have upon the rest of the Oilers’ lineup, opening a hole at right wing and center.
Staples, meanwhile, recently suggested the Oilers shouldn’t trade its top pick at this year’s draft to acquire a top defenseman. One reason is the effect such a move would have upon the club’s efforts to protect players in a potential expansion draft next year. The player selected with the draft pick would be exempted from the expansion draft, while an established player acquired via trade would have to be protected.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to hear Yakupov’s reaction to this report. Sometimes Russian players claim they were misquoted in interviews given to media sources in their homeland. However, if he stands by the comments, there’s no doubt he’ll be moved in the offseason. I daresay the reason he wasn’t moved before the trade deadline was the asking price was too expensive. I concur with Willis’ assessment as to the type of return the Oilers can expect for Yakupov. For all his promise, his trade value isn’t that high right now. He’d have to be part of a larger package to fetch a bigger return.
As for the potential destinations, I’d rule out the Flames because of the rivalry between the two clubs and I doubt their management has serious interest in Yakupov. Same goes for the Canucks. Recent reports out of Vancouver suggest they’ll pursue bigger fish this summer, like Boston’s Loui Eriksson. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has a lot on his plate and much will depend upon whether he gets Steven Stamkos re-signed. The Canadiens reportedly had little, if any, interest in Yakupov before the trade deadline. Maybe that changes this summer, but I wouldn’t count on it.
The Islanders are likely to give more playing time to their younger wingers so I don’t see a fit there. The Penguins are squeezed for cap space next season, so the Oilers must take back some salary for this to happen. The more likely destinations are rebuilding clubs Hurricanes, Sabres, Devils and perhaps the Jets.
As for trading Eberle for a defenseman this summer, I still believe Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the likely trade candidate. Staples makes a great point regarding the consequences of moving out their first-round pick (especially if it’s first overall again) for an established defenseman and the effect it could have upon their player-protection plans for the expansion draft. It remains to be seen, however, if management shares that opinion.
Maybe it’ll be Yakopov for Drouin.
It kinda makes some sense but I just cant one or the other taking the chance of potentially replacing 1 problem for another…kinda like better the devil you know, Im sue no matter what team it is Tampa or Edmonton they would just rather move on from enigmas even if it means maybe taking a bit of a hit on their value. No more home run swing and a miss, just keep the ball in play (excuse the baseball analogy).
Or, to use another baseball analogy and if you’re Chiarelli, emulate Earl Weaver and go for the 3-run homer. He certainly has nothing to lose considering the limited production he’s received out of Yakupov. As for Yzerman, why not take a chance on a RW who may yet have some “upside” in him and who’s been looking for a change of scenery by relinquishing someone who isn’t going to be on your main team in the foreseeable future.
Ya like I said it kinda could make some sense but..if one works out and the other doesnt leaving either gm no further ahead than he was in the first place, and Im not sure thats good for either. Then what? Maybe you try and package up one of these guys with something and get a little bit more of a sure thing or aatleast something that fills a need abot more than what these 2 are proving to be so far in their illustrious careers so far. They will still have some value due to their age tho it may not be what it should be, if they sweeten the pot a tiny bit Tampa or Edmonton maybe able to adress something more than trading for another enigma.
I don’t think yak for drouin would work just because both teams are looking for dmen or dmen prospects in return
If that’s the case bigbear, then both will have to sweeten the pot because neither Yakupov or Drouin are going to bring back a Top 4 D or bona-fide D prospect (again a Top 4 projection) on their own. The best they’d get is someone who is either an established 5/6 or seen to be no better than that by their current owners.
George.
I think your going to be very surprised what the return is for Drouin, if he’s even traded. He & Yakupov aren’t even comparable any longer. 3 years difference in development.
Not a chance in hell.
Drouin is miles more valuable than Yakupov. After 250 games, it isn’t a question of upside with Yakupov – that ship has sailed. He is basically a one-dimensional, mediocre offensive talent. He’s not worth a 1st round pick or top prospect, more like a 2nd or B prospect. If you put Drouin back in the draft, he’d go top 10 IMO.
Agreed. Drouin has 1 full season of NHL experience, Yakupov 4. Drouin is still a prized commodity. He’s tarnished it somewhat but still has a significant upside. Yakupov may be salvageable in another market but he appears to be a bust. We won’t know for certain until he’s given a chance to reinvent himself elsewhere but the return won’t be any where near what Boston got for Seguin a 2nd & a B grade prospect is at best the return or maybe a #4/5 Dman. Seguin had 67 points as a sophomore & 32 in 48 as a 3rd year player.
If That’s what Chiarelli is holding out for he’ll be holding out for ever.
Someone needed to point that out. Yakupov has limited value as it is. Oilers would probably get a decent no6 d-man (age 21-26) for him or something comparable. A d-man with potential to become no4-5. If trading for a pick, they’d probably get nothing higher than an early-mid 2nd rounder (since early 2nd rounders are usually picks for oustanding goalie prospects).
Nice to see Eric Staal awoke from his slumber last night. Hopefully it lasts, the Rangers need him.
Sabres have no interest in Yak.
Yak has played 240 some odd games. Still not sure what you have in Drouin. As crazy as it sounds, Edmonton would have to up the offer a little. Maybe add a pick.
yaks for deitz good trade for both
Sabres’ focus this summer will be on adding a left handed #3-4 defenseman. McCabe has had his chance to grab the #4 spot and he hasn’t done it. Sabes would like Fowler but he price will be too high.
Wonder what Yak will ultimately bring in trade? If he goes at the draft I really do not believe it will be for a 1st round pick.
On the other hand, moving their first-round pick might allow the Oilers to acquire more players who they actually need to worry about protecting.
Staple says “the Oilers shouldn’t trade this year pick for a top defenseman because they’ll have to protect him, but don’t have to protect the pick” I make no sense of that, you have an opportunity to make your team better by trading for a top established defenseman; but, no I don’t want him, I want this unproven talent because I don’t have to protect him in an expansion draft. Really, the Oilers are on the bottom of the NHL, what real risk are you taking, other then making the team better. I don’t want this full time job because it will screw up my EI!
This was my thinking aswell.
The Oilers made a mistake last season keeping Draisaitl up for more than 9 games & activating his ELC 1 year to early. Now he will need to be protected as part of Edmonton’s expansion keepers. Although Edmonton’s roster is so devoid of depth, that they fit in under the 7F, 3D & 1G comfortably & aren’t looking at losing anyone of significance, although exposing at least 25% of their 2016-17 cap hit would require something to give.
Some teams just didn’t plan well for expansion & have wasted protection spots advancing draft picks to quickly. Edmonton’s not hte worst but they didn’t do themselves any favors. Baring trades this summer which are obviously coming here’s how Edmonton’s keepers look to me currently.
7F. Eberle, Hall, RNH, Pouliot, Yakupov, Draisaitl & Maroon.
3D. Sekera, Klefbom & Reinhart.
1G. Talbot.
No point bringing in a 3rd Damn now unless they plan to move to 8 skaters & 1G as opposed to the 7F, 3D & 1G formula. Trading the 16th & 33rd picks in last seasons draft for reinhart with expansion on the horizon looks very stupid now. It looked stupid then as well but Chiarelli didn’t factor in expansion when making that decision. That said Edmonton looks to need to expose about 19 million; 25% of their cap hit for 16-17, in expansion & if that’s their keeper group they will fall way short of that requirement currently.
Thankfully for Edmonton, Nurse & McDavid are exempt & if they can unload Yakupov for futures & RNH for a decent #2/3 Dman they could look at protecting Eberle, Hall, Draisaitl, Maroon, exposing Pouliot, keeping 4D Sekera, Klefbom, Reinhart & they Dman they acquire for RNH. Pouliot’s cap hit with, Fayne’s, Davidsson’s & all the other players will hit the 25% comfortably.
The Oilers are consistent – they consistently give us examples on how not to run a franchise.
@Striker-I don’t think its valid to say the Reinhart trade was stupid because of an expansion draft 2 years after the trade. One can make the debate whether it was a fair return for a 1st rounder-but at the time they were addressing a need.
Also-any chance the oilers can improve themselves this year they have to do it-not be paralyzed by their potential expansion protected list. Plus patrick Maroon is expendable-need not be protected
Scott.
As I said, based on today’s roster not what Edmonton’s roster might look like next season. Currently Maroon is a keeper but I assume Edmonton will trade for a Dman this summer & then be looking at keeping 8 skaters & 1 G as opposed to 7, 3 & 1.
Teams aren’t going to put themselves in a position to trade for assets this summer that they may lose for noting the following summer unless they are going to be UFA’s regardless. That doesn’t make any sense.
After the trade deadline I read that there was ‘zero’ interest in Yak, contrary to his claim there were 8 teams interested.
If there is any interest I doubt the teams will be offering much. Another Daigle.
That’s right, Greg. He didn’t get traded because nobody wanted to offer up anything useful to the Oilers. I see Yak ultimately walking to the KHL, regardless of what he claims he’s interested in doing. He’s simply not sufficiently productive for his defensive weakness to play in the NHL.
yak will be moved this summer I think he can be a 20 goal scorer in the nhl.
Daigle also became a 20 goal scorer – once – but as a # 1 pick he was a bust. That is also Yakupov’s fate I’m afraid. I could be wrong, of course (it wouldn’t be the first or last time – lol), but from what I have seen over 4 years he’ll never become a consistent 20-goal scorer.
Bigbear, when you publish nonsensical speculation please provide at least some explanation as to why so we can separate out whether this is more of your trolling or whether there is an actual hockey thought behind it.
Also remember where he has played those 4 yrs George that has t helped lol too many young guys
dan would you please just stop trolling! I made an opinion just like your ” hes simply not sufficiently productive for his defensive weakness” comment that would bring a ton of players into the mix! yak is young has a can skate has good hands and a good shot put him on another team and he will score some goals! quit being such a troll man its an opinion that’s it
George.
Swing & a miss. Daigle actually had 3, 20 goal seasons, scoring 26 in 1 of those. He also scored 16 in the 94-95 lock out season where the NHL also played 48 games.
His career #’s in the NHL. 616 games played 129 goals, 198 assists for 327 points. I’m not certain we can call a player that played 616 games a bust. Certainly a serous disappointment, 1 dimensional, immature flake but not a bust specifically. At 616 NHL games played he is in very limited company.
Pulled from quanthockey.
“A typical career of an NHL player can be summarized with one word. Its short! Over half of all NHL players play less that 100 games during their career and for approximately 5 percent of players, their first NHL game is also their last. If we look at this from a different angle, long careers are extremely rare. Only 4 percent of players (that’s 1 out of 25) dress up for more than 1000 games.”
Average Games Played. Reg season 247.50. Playoff’s 20.41.
Median Games Played. Reg season 91. Playoff’s. 3.
Another issue with Daigle is that he played through the dead puck era & wasn’t even remotely suited to clutch & grab hockey. 94-95 thru 05-06. The game was brutal over that period of time, almost virtually un-watchable. It was non stop holding, clutching, grabbing, water skiing & interference.
I am with you Greg. Oilers should take what they can get at the draft and cut their losses. Avs should do the same with Grigorenko, another bust and 1/2.
Grigorenko’s career is being resurrected. Buffalo seriously mishandled his 1st 3 seasons in the NHL. Roy now has him on a normal development curve. Grigorenko’s never been given the opportunity to play a significant role or minutes like Yakupov has. He looks to be advancing nicely now & at 21 with only 135 total games of NHL experience & being 6’3″ I’m reserving judgement for 3 more years.
I also don’t consider Yakupov a bust yet. I think he needs a fresh start & again being only 22 he’s way to young to give up on.
We will see Striker, I agree BUF mishandled him but I do not see a significant upside in his play – at least not just yet. Slow, big man –
I don’t like Grigorienko as a prospect either. Lack of tempo and skating, lack of drive and motivation. Perimeter player for the most part. Will have limited success in todays league.
you just wonder when he will kick it into another gear. Roy may not be around next year anyhow.
Take a look at the list of D men available in the 1st round the year they drafted YAK:
M Reilly, Lindholm, M Dumba, Pouliot, Trouva, Ceci, Maatta.
don’t get into doing that greg every has made the wrong picks! lol I just read an article about rakell in Anaheim. Toronto traded up to draft tyler biggs and gave Anaheim 2 picks with those 2 picks the ducks got rakell who has looked and the other pick was john Gibson!! lol
& numerous others that haven’t even started their NHL careers yet really in Reinhart, Koekkoek, Matheson, Schmaltz & Skjei. Most of those you even mentioned have just scratched the surface of their potential.
How K. Lowe has anything what so ever to do with the Oilers still in any capacity is shocking to me. His leadership in Edmonton is the reason Edmonton has been so bad for so long. His tenure as GM & President in Edmonton is by far the worst management we have ever seen in the NHL.
K. Lowe seems like a nice person when speaking but as a management person he’s a disaster. He should have been let go a long time ago.
You would have to think that the Flyers would be interested in Yakupov given thier interest in Drouin. I would take a guy who’s proven he can stay on the roster over someone bouncing between the AHL and NHL.
It’s no that Yak isn’t tradable, it might be because of were he was picked and the notion of the value you should get in return, should be a player or picks of higher value. If you don’t look at when he was drafted and just what he has done so far, then what’s his worth? A second round pick? late first? I look at Boston and they gave Tampa 2 second round picks for Connolly, I believe that was based on being the 5th overall pick but not what had accomplished of date. Begs to ask just from a value point Connolly or Yak?
Caper.
I think it has more to do with the quality of the picks. 2015’s turned out to be 44th overall & if Boston hangs on & makes the playoffs this season, 2016’s will be worse than that. Connolly’s age & draft position certainly factor in in some way though.
I think Yaks would bring an early-mid 2nd rounder at the most as really early 2nd rounders are usually bound for high goalie picks. Maybe a 6th d-man (with some potential) in age-group 21-25 would be attainable.
Lyle, can you please clarify… I read the following statement on the TSN/NHL page: “More interestingly, is that players will be exempt from protection if they are first or second-year pros, which leaves a lot of players available to new teams.” I read that sentence as that first or second year players can’t be protected, hence “exempt”, yet I keep hearing that they are exempt from being claimed and don’t need to be put on the protected list (which is what I thought). If they can’t be protected I understand why the following statement is that lots of players will be available, whereas if they are automatically protected that means fewer players will be available… please confirm?
It’s as simple as this. Players who’s ELC’s have been activated will be exempt from having to be protected if no more than 2 seasons have been incurred. That removes a ton of quality prospects from having to be protected. Players like S. Theodore & N. Ritchie in Anaheim, Nurse & McDavid in Edmonton & so on.
In short, players on ELCs with two years or less are exempt from the expansion draft.
Alright here me out on this one… what about a swap of Alexander Khokhlachev for Nail Yakupov. The Bruins are loaded with centers and the ladder for Khokhlachev appears tougher to climb every season that passes, but the Bruins could use some more winger depth IMO. As for the Oilers, aside from the obvious centers already playing in the lineup… Khokhlachev would add some great depth at center for the organization. The Oilers IMO aren’t loaded with centerman outside of the obvious names… Koko is also a product of the Chiarelli drafts and was taken in the 2nd round. Even if it took say Koko and a 3rd or something of that nature for Yakupov… what are your thoughts? Most of us agree that Yakupov isn’t worth a high end prospect or 1st round pick at this point unless it’s a late 1st or early 2nd… thoughts?
With expansion coming; play starting in 2017-18, that simply doesn’t make sense. Not a hope in hell Edm could protect Khokhlachev although he wouldn’t necessarily be selected regardless even if 2 expansion teams enter the NHL.
Under the CBA NHL contracts are deemed to be in effect from July 1st thru June 30th & expansion will happen before the draft in the summer of 2016-17; mid June, so even players who will be RFA’s or UFA’s on July 1st will have their 2016-17 salary’s count for the purposes of expansion & meeting the 25% exposed threshold.
Striker,
Are the Oilers looking to receive a player for Yakupov that they won’t have to worry about protecting? Not sure I fully understand the expansion overview at this point I guess… Yakupov isn’t on an ELC at the moment am I correct? They signed him to a 2-year contract last season… so wouldn’t a team have to choose to protect him to keep him from being involved in the expansion draft… just confused I guess.
Yes he would have to be protected or exposed for selection not exempt. In year 4 of his NHL career.
That’s how I understood it as well. I wonder if that changes the type of return the Oilers get for Yakupov. I guess if I were a team looking to trade for Yakupov why would I move a player on my roster that is exempt for a player like Yakupov that would require protecting.
Bruins have two RW that need to go Brett and Hayes. Griff and maybe Zachary can fill those spots but then they must sign Lee Stempniak. Yak could be an option and I don’t see Koko fitting in as Boston has Krech Bergie Spooner already at Center.
I don’t think the oilers would have any interest in koko there main goal is defense
Connolly I hope is gone and not resigned, even if it were for almost nothing, which it likely would be I personally don’t like any part of his game. Hayes has at least at times been a factor in front of the net and has shown some flashes… Connolly this season has shown zero flashes IMO. Stempniak I think could be difficult to resign in the off season, there will likely be multiple teams going after him and the contract will be bigger than what he’s making now. I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to signing him to a 2 year $3.5m contract, if he would accept that. I agree with not seeing Koko fitting in with the depth at center, unfortunately the opportunities he’s had with the big club have not paned out either.
Hindsight is 100. Murray and Yakupov were rated one two. I notice Murray was not even on the list above. If the Oil would have taken him they would be in exactly the same place. Forsberg, Reilly and Galchenyuk are the best from draft s far. A lot of the experts said Galchenyuk would eventually be the best. We have just started to see that talent in the last six weeks. Send Yak to Montreal to play with Gal. I am a TO fan and wanted Galchenyuk to fall to fifth but am happy now. Burke wanted Reilly and Biggs so he was one for two.
How about Nugent-Hopkins and Yakupov to Montreal for Eller, Yemelin and a 3rd.
Edm Yak Blah Blah Blah
Leafs signed a goalie, plan the parade…pretty cool glove hand I must say: http://thehockeywriters.com/maple-leafs-sign-kasimir-kaskisuo/
Hope it’s Ok if I post a link Lyle. If not its too late anyways:P
Happy Easter Monday