The Edmonton Oilers have signed right wing Nail Yakupov to a three-year, entry level contract.
"We're very happy to sign Nail to a three-year contract," said Oilers GM Steve Tambellini. "He's an extremely talented and passionate young man who we feel will be an integral part of our team for many years to come."
Yakupov, who was selected first overall in the 2012 NHL Draft, played in 42 games last season for the Sarnia Sting collecting 69 points (31G, 38A).
In 2010-11, the right-winger recorded 101 points (49G, 52A) in 65 games with Sarnia. That year he was named the OHL Rookie of the Month three times as well as the OHL Rookie of the Year and BMO Rookie of the Year in the CHL.
Yakupov was part of Team Russia in the 2011 World Junior U18 Championship. He collected 13 points (6G, 7A) and scored a hat trick in the bronze-medal game, including an empty-net goal with four seconds left, helping defeat Team Canada 6-4.
