Man of the week: Nail Yakupov

KHL.ru restarts its ‘Man of the Week’ column with Nail Yakupov. The talented forward had a tremendous start of the new season with three goals in three games with Kunlun Red Star.Nail Yakupov, once heralded as the next big thing in hockey, has had a career filled with highs and lows. His recent move to Kunlun Red Star and his impressive start to the KHL season with three goals in three games have reignited interest in his journey. Moreover, he was just named Forward of the week for the first time in his KHL career, potting the game-winner in the Dragons’ opener against Dynamo Moscow on Wednesday (3:1)Early yearsYakupov’s journey to professional hockey began in the JHL, with the Reaktor Nizhnekamsk, where he posted four goals and six points in 14 games in the 2009-2010 season. Then, he moved to the Canadian juniors. Born on Oct. 6, 1993, in Nizhnekamsk, Russia, Yakupov moved to North America in 2010 to further his career. He joined the Sarnia Sting, a major junior team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). His scoring prowess earned him the nickname “Yak Attack.” In his first season with the Sting, Yakupov scored 49 goals and added 52 assists for a total of 101 points in 65 games, playing side to side with Amur’s forward Alex Galchenyuk. His outstanding performance earned him the Emms Family Award as the OHL Rookie of the Year and the CHL Rookie of the Year title.NHL CareerYakupov’s success in the OHL led to him being selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers and made an immediate impact during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, scoring 17 goals and 14 assists in 48 games. However, his NHL career did not progress as expected. Over the next few seasons, Yakupov struggled with consistency and injuries. He was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 2016 and later played for the Colorado Avalanche. Despite his efforts, Yakupov’s NHL career was marked by underperformance, and he returned to Russia in 2018 after recording 62 goals and 74 assists in 350 NHL games.Return to the KHLUpon returning to Russia, Yakupov joined SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. He had a strong first season, leading the team with 23 goals in 47 games. However, his performance declined in subsequent seasons, and he moved between several KHL teams, including Amur Khabarovsk, Avangard Omsk, and his native Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Despite the challenges, Yakupov continued to showcase his talent and resilience.Gagarin Cup Victory with Avangard OmskOne of the highlights of Yakupov’s career came in 2021 when he won the Gagarin Cup with Avangard Omsk. Although he was sidelined for the entirety of the KHL postseason due to complications from COVID-19, Yakupov played a crucial role in the team’s success during the regular season. His leadership and locker room presence were instrumental in Avangard’s championship run, culminating in a 4-2 victory over CSKA Moscow in the finals.Move to Kunlun Red Star and Strong Start to the KHL SeasonIn August 2024, Yakupov signed a one-year contract with Kunlun Red Star, marking his seventh consecutive season in the KHL. His move to the Dragons has proven to be a successful one, as he has made an immediate impact on the team. In the first three games of the 2024-2025 KHL season, Yakupov scored three goals and added an assist, earning him recognition as one of the league’s top players of the week. His strong start has been a testament to his perseverance and determination to succeed.Wrapping it upNail Yakupov’s career has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with moments of brilliance and periods of struggle. From his early success in the Canadian juniors to his challenging NHL career and eventual return to the KHL, Yakupov has shown resilience and a passion for the game. His recent move to Kunlun Red Star and his impressive start to the KHL season have reignited hope for a successful chapter in his career. As Yakupov continues to make his mark in the KHL, fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain his momentum and achieve new heights in his professional journey.