Nail Yakupov, 2012 1st Overall NHL Draft Pick

The Edmonton Oiler's brass could not get as much as the Pittsburgh podium quickly enough to pick Nail Yakupov, 2012 1st overall NHL draft choose. It had been widely speculated that the Oilers had been targeting defenseman, Ryan Murray from the Everett Silvertips with their 1st general pick but ultimately they just couldn't pass on the talented Russian proper winger. Yakupov will become the following star of a core of Edmonton youngsters which includes centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (1st general in 2011), left winger Taylor Hall (1st overall in 2010), appropriate winger Jordan Eberle (22nd overall in 2008) and 2012 free agent, defenseman Justin Schultz.

The extremely skilled Yakupov was born in the Russian Republic of Tatarstan on Oct. 6, 1993. He is 5'11" and 185 pounds. Certainly not the greatest of NHL forwards but, like his hero Pavel Bure, he has lightning speed and dazzling footwork. He is relentless in his pursuit in the puck and along the boards. With his combination of ability, physicality and finishing capability, Nail looks like an undeniable can't miss prospect. He possesses a lethal one-timer and is absolutely deadly one-on-one together with the goalie.

Yakupov, playing with all the Sarnia Sting from the OHL had been consistently rated because the #1 junior prospect. He was one of only two forwards chosen in the best ten (the other eight becoming defensemen) of the 2012 surprising NHL draft. In his two seasons together with the Sting, Nail played in 107 typical season games scoring 80 ambitions and 90 assists for a total of 170 points. He also had 101 penalty minutes. Yakupov played for Russia in the 2012 Planet Juniors scoring 9 assists in 7 games whilst winning a silver medal. Inside the 2011 World Under-18 Championships, Yakupov was essential inside the Russians winning a bronze medal, scoring a hat trick in the bronze medal game against Canada.

So what does the future appear like for Nail Yakupov, 2012 1st overall NHL draft choose. Properly, in accordance with my crystal ball I believe the Oilers will begin the season showcasing their quantity one particular draft picks. Nail will start off on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall. He will score more than 100 points to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as the 2012-2013 NHL rookie with the year. Only eight previous #1 picks considering that 1963 have won the "Calder". He will score over 50 ambitions in only his second season and also the Oilers will make the playoffs for the very first time because 2005-2006. In his third season, 2014-2015, yet again scoring over 50 targets, Yakupov will lead the Oilers to their sixth (1st because 1990) Stanley Cup win.

I believe that Yakupov will have a stellar career averaging more than a point a game. In addition to Justin Shultz along with the other 1st round picks he may be the final "Nail" in Edmonton's rebuild and will be instrumental in top the Oilers back towards the glory years of the 80s'. The Oilers and Yakupov is going to be exciting and hazardous to play against in 2012-2013 and for years to come. Just like inside the Gretzky years, Oiler's fans possess a lot to appear forward to and in later years will love to reminisce about Nail Yakupov, 2012 1st overall NHL draft choose.