Nail Yakupov better have a sweet frequent flyer agreement with his airline provider, because he has been getting bounced around between different countries far more than the average 18-year-old. Earlier today, the International Ice Hockey Federation ruled that because of Nail Yakupov's current major junior eligibility in North America, Hockey Canada never officially approving his departure, and several other technicalities, his transfer card to play for HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk of the Kontinental Hockey League is invalid. The IIHF subsequently fined Russia Hockey, a light slap on the wrists really, but then proceeded to threaten Neftekhimik and Hockey Russia with greater sanctions if Yakupov were to continue playing in the KHL. So what does this mean for the Edmonton Oilers' 1st overall selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft? It means he could end up being the first player in hockey history to play in the KHL, CHL, and NHL in one season.
The Oilers assigned Yakupov to report the Sarnia Sting at the start of the lockout, but he decided to return to his hometown to play pro hockey instead. Edmonton did not really mind. After all, they just want their young offensive dynamo to be playing somewhere during the course of the lockout. But since Yakupov has now become a "temporarily suspended" player overseas, the Oil are likely to pressure him into going back to Sarnia so he can stay on the ice.
As soon as the NHL lockout concludes and big league teams resume operations for a brief training camp, Nail will then have an excellent chance to earn himself a spot on the Oilers' roster. In fact, a gambling man should feel more than comfortable in his wager if he were to bet that Yakupov would crack Edmonton's roster, a roster that is not exactly praised for its depth. So its safe to say that when the a new CBA is set and the NHL decides to end the lockout, Yakupov will be playing in the show.So with two games played in the KHL, a plethora of opportunities to skate with Sarnia in the OHL before the labor dispute is settled, a roster spot on the wing in Edmonton that seems likely to be filled by the skilled youngster, and more international flights in the past few months than Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can, there is a really good chance that Nail Yakupov will be hockey's first player to ever play in the KHL, CHL, and NHL in one season's time.
UPDATE 9/26/12, 11:18pm: For those of you saying, "Oh, well the KHL was only established in 2008. That's not that big of a deal," know that if you go back to the days of the Russian Superleague, Yakupov would still be the first player ever to play professionally in Russia, the CHL, and NHL in one season's time.
UPDATE 9/29/12, 11:30pm: Looks like we won't see history made after all. Over the weekend, Hockey Canada approved of Yakupov's play overseas, making his transfer card valid again: http://hartofhockey.blogspot.com/2012/09/nail-yakupov-international-ping-pong_30.html
