The good news for the Edmonton Oilers is that No. 1 overall pick Nail Yakupov, left, has shown he can play with older, more experienced professional players. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)
An NHL lockout means that some of the youngsters ready to shine are relegated to playing elsewhere. That doesn't mean they aren't growing and developing into the stars of tomorrow.
We at CBCSports.ca will be keeping an eye on the next generation of NHL stars on Canada's seven clubs, whether they're working on the "farm" in the AHL or honing their game overseas, waiting for the end of the lockout.
An NHL lockout means that some of the youngsters ready to shine are relegated to playing elsewhere. That doesn't mean they aren't growing and developing into the stars of tomorrow.
We at CBCSports.ca will be keeping an eye on the next generation of NHL stars on Canada's seven clubs, whether they're working on the "farm" in the AHL or honing their game overseas, waiting for the end of the lockout.
We'll periodically check in with these players throughout the 2012-13 season, no matter what league they'll be lacing up their skates in. We begin with the Oilers and a young stud by the name of Nail Yakupov.
Nail Yakupov Age/ Birthplace: 19, Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, Russia Position: RW NHL club/draft position: Drafted 1st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2012 NHL GP: 0 Junior team: Sarnia Sting Current team: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (KHL) Stats on current team: 6 GP, 4G, 2A, 6 PIM, -1 (as of Oct. 15)
How he will fit in with his NHL club:
The Oilers used their third straight No. 1 draft pick on Yakupov, a gifted goal-scorer who will add to the team's youth movement (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, just to name a few) on the forward lines.
Yakupov was initially halted from playing in the KHL for his hometown club, but was granted his request by Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation. That's good news for the Oilers, as Yakupov has shown he can play with older, more experienced professional players, scoring twice and adding a shootout winner on Oct. 3.
Justin PiercyOriginally from Fredericton, NB, Justin has worked in newsrooms for Astral Media Radio, Brunswick News Inc., the Toronto Star and CTV. But now he's here at CBCSports.ca to report on the sports you care about while also showing you stuff from the internet he thinks you might like.
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The good news for the Edmonton Oilers is that No. 1 overall pick Nail Yakupov, left, has shown he can play with older, more experienced professional players. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)
Justin Piercy
Originally from Fredericton, NB, Justin has worked in newsrooms for Astral Media Radio, Brunswick News Inc., the Toronto Star and CTV. But now he's here at CBCSports.ca to report on the sports you care about while also showing you stuff from the internet he thinks you might like.
