Nail Yakupov: International Ping-Pong Ball (Part 2- Volley)

Yakupov sporting the Neftekhimik
uniform (photo from photo.khl.ru)

 Nail Yakupov, the Edmonton Oilers' 1st overall selection at the most recent NHL Entry Draft, will be permitted to play with Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, after all.

 A few days ago, the IIHF ruled that Yakupov's tranfer card was invalid, because as a player of major junior eligibility, Hockey Canada had never approved of said transer to send him overseas. Yakupov was thought to be headed back to play for the OHL's Sarnia Sting for the remainder of the NHL lockout as a result of the IIHF's ruling, but after some slight coaxing from his agent, legend Igor Larionov, Hockey Canada approved of Yakupov's transfer on Saturday, making him eligible for KHL competition.

 Neftekhimik and Russia Hockey were both threatened with hefty fines by the IIHF if Yakupov were to continue to play with the invalid transfer card, but all parties involved can now rest easy and not worry about repercussions of the offensively gifted Yakupov's participation in KHL competition.

 Yakupov is not expected to dress in Neftekhimik's next game on Monday against Dynamo Minsk.

Nail Yakupov: International Ping-Pong Ball

 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 Decision: Justin Schultz Will Play For...

 University of Wisconsin star and highly sought after defenseman Justin Schultz has decided that he will begin his NHL career on the blue line of the Edmonton Oilers. Schultz, a UFA after going four years without signing a contract with the team that drafted him in '08, the Anaheim Ducks, had 29 teams interested in services, but he narrowed his options down to short list of reportedly six squads and then made his final decision today. The two-way defender generated so much interest from NHL teams because after three impressive years at Wisconsin, many scouts believe he is already jump into a pro roster and eat up top four defense pairing minutes. Some even think he's already top two material. Whether you believe the hype or not, the Oilers have certainly acquired a great hockey player and added a huge piece to their future.
 Schultz brings an instant injection of youth and promise to the Oilers' defense corps, an atrocious blue line once headlined by Ryan Whitney. Though Edmonton still has a lot of work to do shaping up their defense before they can consider making a run at the Stanley Cup, the addition of Schultz means they do not have to wait a whole year to draft a top defender in the draft. Basically, it puts them one more step ahead in terms of becoming an elite franchise in the NHL than they were a day ago. Now, Justin Schultz' decision does not necessarily indicate that he wants to win now, but it shows an interest and dedication to reviving one of the most historic clubs in hockey history.
 Some people scoffed at the fact that Edmonton drafted another forward #1 overall at this year's draft instead of targeting their shortcomings on the blue line and between the pipes. One can't help but wonder what those people saying how "mismanaged" the Oilers franchise is are saying now. Even though they were already stacked with young, offensive juggernauts like Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Sam Gagner, and Nail Yakupov, now that Edmonton has added a premier defense prospect to their ranks, the Oilers can now truly be treated as "on the rise".

Welcome to OIL Country, Justin Schultz