Hearing that the Blackhawks are making a deal for Yakupov per sources. Not sure who is going back to Edmonton or if money is being retained — Chief (@BarstoolChief) October 6, 2016

According to Barstool Sports, the Oilers could be moving Nail Yakupov to the Chicago Blackhawks.

As of right now, there is no official confirmation of the trade but the chatter between Chicago and Edmonton has been confirmed by more than one source, including TSN’s Bob McKenzie. Although the trade does not appear to be imminent there has been discussion between the two teams.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

After being drafted first overall in 2012, the Nail Yakupov era in Edmonton never quite came to fruition. The enigmatic winger showed promise in his first season in Edmonton under then head coach Ralph Kruger during a lockout-shortened season that saw him score 17 goals and 14 assists for 31 points in 48 games.

Since then, Yakupov has had issues matching the production he had in his rookie season and has been a highly-controversial topic in Edmonton ever since. His issues with playing a two-way game landed him in the doghouse more often than not. That said, some believe that Yakupov has never been given a chance to perform with skilled linemates, thus limiting his ability to be effective.

The potential departure of Yakupov is one that has been talked about for some time, with TSN’s Ryan Rishaug stating that the team will be looking to move Yakupov “when the opportunity comes.”

As for potential return, it is unknown as to what the Oilers would look at from Chicago. Mark McNeil is a name that has been thrown around by Bob Stauffer some time and could be a possibility.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Experts weigh in

Regarding Yakupov to CHI trade rumors, my understanding as follows: CHI has had talks with EDM on Yak, could still have interest in him… — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 6, 2016

…but there is no imminent deal. CHI, at this moment, still looking at their kids to fill holes, but maybe that changes at some point. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 6, 2016

EDM would obviously need to take back salary in a Yakupov deal with CHI and while Bowman-Chiarelli did talk Yak trade, nothing too recent. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 6, 2016

All that said, depending on how things proceed for Hawks, Yakupov is player they have had interest in and may still have some interest. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 6, 2016

It seems the final step to the Yak > Chi deal is money. EDM may retain some salary. They want to get rid of him badly. — Jay Zawaski (@JayZawaski670) October 6, 2016

Nail Yakupov is a right wing and he isn’t all that good. Would seem like an odd fit, but could speak to how dire things are up front. — Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) October 6, 2016

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

FWIW, Oilers and #Blackhawks did discuss Mark McNeill a few months ago. — Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) October 6, 2016

Re: Yakupov-to-Chicago trade rumours, first reported by @BarstoolChief…

According to sources, Teams are talking… — Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) October 6, 2016

CHI would send AHL player/s to EDM, and likely ask EDM to retain some of Yalupov’s $2.5M salary. No deal imminent, but talks con’t — Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) October 6, 2016

For those thinking CHI property Mark McNeill an option for EDM, my understanding is EDM has never had much interest in the player. — Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) October 6, 2016 @TSNBobMcKenzie oh I said that too. I’m not in the breaking news business. I normally leave that to you,but I was told paper work being done — Chief (@BarstoolChief) October 6, 2016

THE SEASON OPENER PARTY

After a long summer of arguing and waiting, the NHL season is right around the corner and that means it’s time for us to throw another party. We wanted a second take on last year’s season and decided that we would celebrate the start of the second year of Connor’s reign over Oil Country. Thanks to our friends at AMA Travel, Cornerstone Insurance, the Pint, Oodle Noodle, and United Cycle we’ve got a big night planned for you complete with raffles, swag bags, and two trips (valued at $5000 each) for two to the outdoor game in Winnipeg courtesy of AMA Travel.

Here’s what you need to know:

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Where: The Pint Downtown

The Pint Downtown When: Friday, October 14th at 5pm

Friday, October 14th at 5pm Why: Because we’ve got a hankerin’ for some partyin’

Because we’ve got a hankerin’ for some partyin’ How: Tickets are available here

See you on October 14th!



