Prospect Report: Nail Yakupov (RW)

Current team: Sarnia Sting (OHL)
2012 Stats: 42 GP, 31-38-69 30 PIM
Central Scouting Rank: 1
Likely Destination: Edmonton Oilers (1st Overall)

What is left unsaid about Nail Yakupov? The consensus best player in the 2012 draft class, Yakupov has put himself head and shoulders above the rest of this year's crop. He is often compared to 2010's first overall pick Taylor Hall, with scouts often noting that he has a stronger game along the boards and superior ability to physically dominate his opponents. He is also referred to as the most talented first overall pick since Sidney Crosby. His skills are often compared to those of a young Datsyuk, with his elusive skating ability and surprising physical upside, given his skill game and physical stature. Yakupov broke the Sarnia scoring record previously held by Steven Stamkos. Hall of fame coach Scotty Bowman compared him to one of the original great Russian players in the NHL, Pavel Bure.

Chris Edwards of Central Scouting also describes Yakupov's abilities in the other, more nuanced parts of the game.

"His first step and ability to control bouncing pucks, knock them down and make a play are the best of any of the guys in the draft."

Yakupov is a dominant player and an absolute game changer. There is an oft discussed "Russian Factor" when it comes to judging draft value of Russian born players, regarding the possibility that they may jump ship to the Russian Kontinental Hockey League, however it must be noted that after a short stint in Russian Yakupov chose to play in the Ontario Hockey league at a young age. Only one thing could keep Yakupov out of Edmonton, that being organizational need. Edmonton has already formed a solid prospect pool of forwards, and has a strong need for blueliners. However history has shown that elite defensemen are often found in later rounds/picks of the draft, and it is not at all unreasonable to believe that if Edmonton's scouts have taken long looks at potential 2nd round defensemen, they may have found what they need in those later spots.