At age 30, he is eyeing a return to the NHL after becoming a free agent.
Yakupov has been infamous due to the fact he was drafted so high, but undeniably unable to perform to expectations in the NHL. His performance, was underwhelming, which led to a career of ups and downs in the league.
He would later to be traded to the St. Louis Blues in 2016 by the Oilers after a disappointing run in Edmonton. His career would slowly decline, moving on from the Blues to the Colorado Avalanche, which would result in him leaving for the KHL later.
Yakupov would struggle and overcome adversity in the KHL but is now ready to return to the NHL. He was seen training alongside Flyers Phenom Matvei Michkov and Andrei Svechnikov.
This of course is a way of showing he committed to improving his game to re-join the NHL and prove that he's capable of playing the world's best league.
He recently posted a cryptic message on Instagram:
The post has given NHL analysts and fans some idea that he may try and make a comeback in the NHL, with the Carolina Hurricanes as they could offer him a PTO.
The MUGNHL recently reported that several NHL teams are considering him for their training camp roster, in order to intensify competition.
Should the Bruins add him to the training camp roster and see if he can find redemption in Black and Gold? It'd be an affordable option and a good way to keep the boys on their toes.
As the hockey world hypothesizes about Yakupov's eventual return to NHL ice, is this the time he finally seizes the day and lives up to his true potential? Or will it be another miserable retread down the road, which leads to regrets and disappointments?
This could be one of the most enthralling storylines in the NHL, should he make a team's roster past training camp.
Source: Hockey OTB
Former first overall pick wants to make an NHL comeback
POLL | ||
Should the Bruins add Yakupov to the training camp roster? | ||
yes | 59 | 55.1 % |
no | 48 | 44.9 % |
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