The Oilers loaned Yakimov to HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk of the KHL on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Yakimov appeared in 36 games with AHL Bakersfield last season, notching 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) over that span, before being loaned to HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in December, where he added four points (three goals, one assist) over 11 games. The Oilers are hoping that playing in his native country will benefit the 21-year-old center's development, as Yakimov will begin the 2016-17 campaign in Russia playing in the KHL. The 2013 third-round pick has the potential to develop into a solid player for the Oilers, but he's still at least a few years away from potentially earning a permanent roster spot with the big club.

Yakimov was assigned to AHL Oklahoma City on Wednesday by the Oilers. The 20-year-old center was called up to the Oilers for Tuesday's game due to injuries to both Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle. Yakimov only managed one shot on goal in the game and since the injuries to Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle are not serious, Yakimov was expectedly sent back to the AHL on Wednesday.

Yakimov will make his NHL debut Tuesday against the Kings, Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal reports. With both Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle ruled out Tuesday with undisclosed injuries, Yakimov was called up from AHL Oklahoma City less than two weeks after he was one of the final cuts in training camp. Neither Nugent-Hopkins nor Eberle are expected to miss significant time with their injuries, so Yakimov's stay with the parent club will more than likely be brief. Yakimov is set to center the Oilers' third line Tuesday, with David Perron and Jesse Joensuu flanking him on the wings.

Yakimov was recalled from Oklahoma City of the AHL on Monday. Yakimov has played just one game for Oklahoma City, tallying two penalty minutes and a neutral rating. The 2013 third-round pick will take the spot of Oscar Klefbom, who was assigned to Oklahoma City on Monday.