Former NHL first overall pick Yakupov signs with KHL Kunlun Red Star

The once touted player who was selected by the Oilers in 2012 but only played for six seasons and 350 NHL games before deciding to call it a career in North America and head back to his homeland of Russia. He scored 62 goals and had 142 points during his time in the NHL.

He spent four seasons with the Oilers and had stops in St. Louis with the Blues and the Colorado Avalanche. During his final year in the league, he had nine goals and 16 points with 58 games for the Avalanche.

He has played for four KHL organizations where last year he had eight goals and 19 points in 31 games. It seems that he has found his game and his niche over the years and has become a consistent player that so many felt that he could have been in the NHL.

Many wonder still about the "What if?" regarding not only Yakupov, but for Edmonton considering they eschewed many players such as Morgan Rielly, Filip Forsberg, and Jacob Trouba. But for now, it seems the only certainty is that Yakupov won't be back any time soon.

Source: HockeyDB
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