Yakupov close to deal with KHL club TheFourthPeriod.com
Nail Yakupov, this summer's first overall pick in the NHL Draft, will be skating for a KHL team during the lockout, TFP has learned.
Yakupov, whom the Edmonton Oilers drafted, is finalizing a contract with HC Neftekhimik.
Despite reports that a deal is done, a source close to the situtiaton told TFP Editor-in-Chief David Pagnotta that a deal is still being ironed out, but it is "close."
In 42 games with the OHL's Sarnia Sting last season, Yakupov registered 31 goals and 38 assists for 69 points.
The native of Nizhnekamsk, Russia, where his KHL club is based, tallied 49 goals and 52 assists for 101 points in 65 games with Sarnia in 2010-11.
A deal could be finalized as early as this evening, or Tuesday morning local time in Nizhnekamsk.
