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Nail Yakupov RW EDM
16 Days Edmonton Oilers Comment

Nail Yakupov was surprisingly not among the finalists for the Calder Trophy.

Most teams will cry foul at their prized rookies not being nominated for the Calder, but the Oilers may have the strongest case. Yakupov led all rookies with 17 goals and he tied Jonathan Huberdeau, who was named a finalist on Monday, for the most points with 31 in 48 games. 11 of his goals came in the month of April, so that might have played a part in his name being left off the final ballot.

Nail Yakupov RW EDM
21 Days Edmonton Oilers Comment

Nail Yakupov's 2012-13 campaign was certainly a long and winding one.

"It was a pretty tough year, possibly the toughest year of my life," said Yakupov. "After finishing in Sarnia, then I had the combine before the draft, then the draft, dealt with a lot of media, then rookie camp, half a season in KHL, the lockout and then the World Juniors were I didn't feel that comfortable. Then coming here after a few months I started to feel pretty good. I feel like a million bucks now." Yakupov had 11 goals and 15 points in 14 April games. He had solid numbers this season, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him take another step forward in 2013-14.

Nail Yakupov RW EDM
23 Days Edmonton Oilers Comment

Nail Yakupov registered six goals in four games to earn the third star of the week honor.

The first-round pick in the 2012 draft netted 17 markers to lead all rookies in goals this campaign. It was also announced on Monday that Yakupov earned the Rookie of the Month honor for April.

Nail Yakupov RW EDM
23 Days Edmonton Oilers Comment

Nail Yakupov received the distinction as the NHL's Rookie of the Month for April.

He led all first-year players with 11 goals and 15 points in 14 games to close out the regular season. Yakupov finished tied with Florida's Jonathan Huberdeau for the rookie scoring lead with 31 points in 48 games, but he finished first in goals with 17. His late-season surge should garner him plenty of attention for the Calder Trophy.

Nail Yakupov RW EDM
24 Days Edmonton Oilers Comment

With five goals over his final two games, Nail Yakupov has placed himself in the race for the Calder Trophy.

Yakupov finished his rookie campaign with 31 points, which tied him with Florida's Jonathan Huberdeau for the league lead in rookie scoring. While he may not be the favorite to win the award, we think he's likely to have to have the most productive career of any of this year's rookie class.

Nail Yakupov RW EDM
24 Days Edmonton Oilers Comment

Nail Yakupov scored his first NHL hat trick Saturday night as the Oilers trounced the Canucks 7-2 in their regular season finale.

Yakupov finished his rookie campaign with 17 goals and 31 points after playing in all 48 games this year.

Nail Yakupov RW EDM
27 Days Edmonton Oilers Comment

Nail Yakupov scored the 12th goal of his rookie campaign, the Edmonton Oilers' only tally in a 4-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Yakupov has collected 26 points in 46 games in his first campaign at the NHL level. He's shown signs of brilliance even if his initial work has been a bit of a disappointment. One thing owners would likely to see from the sniper is more shots; he only has 71 SOG in 46 GP, less than two per contest.

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