| Born: | Oct. 3, 1993 | Draft: | 1st overall Edmonton Oilers 2012 |
| Hometown: | Nizhnekamsk, Russia | Position: | Right Wing |
| Known For: | U20 WJC Silver Medal | Shoots/Catches: | Left |
| National Team: | Russia | Current Status: | Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (KHL) |
Nail Railovich Yakupov (Russian: Наиль Раилович Якупов, Tatar: Наил Раил улы Якупов; born 6 October 1993) is a Russian professional ice hockey forward for Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and also played with the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche. Due to his draft position, short NHL career and low point totals, Yakupov is widely regarded as one of the biggest draft busts in NHL history.
Yakupov grew up within the HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk junior program and moved to North America in 2010 to further his career. Nicknamed the “Yak Attack” for his scoring abilities, he joined the Sarnia Sting, a major junior team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played for two years before being selected in the NHL Entry Draft. Yakupov played for the Russian national junior team, winning medals in all three tournaments he participated in.
Nail Yakupov Statistics
Deeper Dive
- Oilers: What Happened To Former 1st Overall Pick Nail Yakupov?
- 2012 Redraft: What if the Edmonton Oilers Didn’t Take Nail Yakupov?
- Nail Yakupov – The Next Ones: NHL 2012 Draft Prospect Profile
- Nail Yakupov: The Stinging Star
- Was Nail Yakupov Robbed of a Calder Trophy Nod?
- Nail Yakupov – A Chance to Revive His NHL Career in Colorado
- Nail Yakupov: Interview With Edmonton Oilers Forward
- 2012 NHL Entry Draft – What Became of the Top 10
Achievements
- CHL Rookie of the Year (2011)
- OHL First All-Rookie Team (2011)
- OHL Rookie of the Year – Emms Family Award (2011)
- U18 WJC Bronze Medal (2011)
- CHL Top Draft Prospect Award (2012)
- OHL Third All-Star Team (2012)
- U20 WJC Silver Medal (2012)
- Jr Super Series Champion (2013)
- U20 WJC Bronze Medal (2013)
- KHL Gagarin Cup Champion (2023)