Yakupov is set to sign a two-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, Igor Eronko of Sport-Express reports.

EDGE Analysis

Yakupov has chosen to leave hockey's highest level after failing to live up to his 2012 first-overall selection. Throughout six seasons, he averaged only .39 points per game and accumulated a dreadful minus-89 rating. While Yakupov's first NHL stint was largely unsuccessful, he is still only 24 years old. It's possible he could rediscover his game oversees and contribute to an NHL roster at some point down the road.

Yakupov wasn't tendered a qualifying offer Monday and will now become an unrestricted free agent, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Playing for his third team in as many seasons, Yakupov saw a decent amount action for the Avalanche, tallying nine goals and seven assists across 58 games. However, he didn't participate in a single playoff game and is now looking to join a new team when free agency opens July 1 after failing to get a qualifying offer. The former first overall pick should find a handful of suitors on the open market.

Yakupov watched all six games of the Avs' first-round series against the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

On his third club in as many seasons, Yakupov failed to impress, as he served as a healthy scratch in 24 of the final 32 contests of the year. When he was in the lineup, the winger garnered a meager 16 points and 94 shots. Selected first overall in the 2012 NHL Draft, the Russian would certainly be in the conversation for biggest bust in NHL history. A restricted free agent this offseason, the 24-year-old could find himself without an offer from Colorado and looking for team No. 4.

Yakupov was a healthy scratch for the fourth consecutive game during Friday's 7-1 win over Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

Considering the 24-year-old winger can't crack the lineup consistently or land a prominent role when dressing, there aren't many fantasy settings where Yakupov warrants a roster spot. He might receive another fresh start next fall, but it also wouldn't be a shock if his NHL career is over after this season.

Yakupov recorded one shot through 9:10 of ice time (2:09 with the man advantage) during Thursday's 5-3 win over San Jose.

EDGE Analysis

It's easy to poke fun at Yakupov because he was the first overall selection from the 2012 draft, and he's definitely failed to live up to expectations to this point of his career. Slotting into a depth role hurts his scoring potential, so while his offensive numbers have been disappointing this year (eight goals and 13 points through 38 games), it's not a great fantasy setup, either. It's probably safe to continue fading Yakupov in the majority of settings at this stage of the game.

Yakupov (illness) will rejoin the action for Saturday's home game against the Lightning, Adrian Dater of BSN Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is an ideal spot for Yakupov to return, as the Avalanche need their best offensive weapons to try and knock down a virtually impenetrably wall that Tampa Bay has built around the cage this season (tied with San Jose for the second-fewest goals allowed at 2.39 through 31 games). Yak's converted seven goals on 42 scoring chances for a robust 16.7 shooting percentage, plus he gets power-play ice time, so consider him to be a decent flier in deep pools Saturday.

Yakupov (illness) will not be active for Thursday night's home game against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Yak's about to miss his fifth consecutive game for an Avalanche team that is fading into obscurity after blazing a trail to start the season. Still, provided he doesn't miss a bunch more games, the man who's been labeled a bust since the Oilers drafted him first overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft has a legitimate chance of reaching 20 goals for the first time in his career. Keep him on the bench for now, but the Russian often makes for a solid value play when healthy.

Yakupov (illness) won't play Tuesday against the Capitals, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

A previous report indicated that Yakupov would suit up if Alex Kerfoot (lower body) couldn't play. However, even though the rookie indeed will miss his first NHL game, Yak's illness is still bothering him to the point that he won't suit up, either. This likely will force the Avalanche to rely on defenseman Anton Lindholm to round out the fourth line with Sven Andrighetto and Colin Wilson.

Yakupov (illness) could draw into the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Capitals if Alex Kerfoot (lower body) is unavailable.

EDGE Analysis

Yakupov missed Monday's matchup with Pittsburgh due to an illness, but he's evidently already overcome that ailment ahead of Tuesday evening's contest. The 24-year-old winger has notched seven goals and 10 points in 26 games this campaign.

Yakupov will miss Monday's road tilt against the Penguins due to an illness, Mike Chambers of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The first-overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, Yakupov missed each of the last two contests as a healthy scratch and has gone six games without recording a point. Colorado will continue to utilize a combination of 11 forwards and seven defensemen in their lineup with Yakupov out, and the 23-year-old Russian's next opportunity to play is Tuesday in Washington.