Steve Tambellini says, "We're very happy to sign Nail to a three-year contract. He's an extremely talented and passionate young man who we feel will be an integral part of our team for many years to come."

Yakupov, who was selected 1st overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, played in 42 games last season for the Sarnia Sting collecting 69 points (31G, 38A).

In 2010-11, the 5’11”, 190-pound right-winger recorded 101 points (49G, 52A) in 65 games with Sarnia. That year he was named the OHL Rookie of the Month three times as well as the OHL Rookie of the Year and BMO Rookie of the Year in the CHL.

Yakupov, who hails from Nizhnekamsk, Republic of Tatarstan, was part of Team Russia in the 2011 World Junior U18 Championship. He collected 13 points (6G, 7A) and scored a hat trick in the bronze-medal game, including an empty-net goal with four seconds left, helping defeat Team Canada 6-4.

Yakupov was also part of the 2012 World Junior Championship with Team Russia that lost 1-0 to Sweden in the gold medal game, acquiring a silver medal. In seven games he had a team-high nine assists and was +5.

Edmonton Oilers hockey is presented in part by the Rexall Family of Pharmacies, Molson Canadian, ATB Financial, Cenovus Energy and Ford.