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Going, going, gone …

If you’re wondering, big farmhand centre Bogdan Yakimov is back in Russia, in his hometown Nizhnekamsk, ready to suit up for the KHL team Neftekhimik. The 21-year-old centre, one of the Oilers’ better prospects, had an out-clause in his Oilers organization contract to go back to Russia if he chose, and he reportedly did so at the behest of his father. He had knee problems last year and this but played 76 AHL games with 35 points, and probably would have got a call-up at some time this season. The Oilers didn’t want him leaving and neither apparently did his agent. They retain his playing rights.

Long timing coming

This was the first Oilers New Year’s Eve game here in 27 years, dating back to 1988, when they lost to Montreal 4-2. This was only their third on Dec. 31. The other was in 1985 when they got past the Flyers. They were 2-11-3 overall coming into the Ducks game. The junior Oil Kings usually have Rexall for New Year’s Eve.

Familiar face in the house

Steve Staios, now president of the OHL junior Hamilton Bulldogs after several years in management/assistant coaching with the Toronto Maple Leafs, was saluted as a returning Oiler player to Rexall Place. Staios’s junior coach/GM is one-time Oilers head coach George Burnett. Staios played 573 Oilers games and was on their 2006 team that made the Cup final. “I get back here quite a bit because we made some good friends here and so did my kids,” said Staios.

New Year’s Eve party favour

Taylor Hall tried to cut inside Clayton Stoner midway through the second period, got hit and his stick sailed over the glass and into the sixth row of the seats. Souvenir for a lucky fan.