Richard Cloutier: Would You Trade Nail Yakupov?

Really, did you think the most recent playoffs were boring? How do you figure?

flippity flop
flippity flop

Not unless the return is better and right now there is no way to tell if what you are getting back will be better than Yakupov. It's hard to judge Yakupov from a tournament like the WJHC. He seems to be struggling, but playing the KHL he has been really good.

the most recent playoffs were boring??? did you forget the Pens vs Flyers series? That series alone would cover for the entire playoffs in terms of excitement.

Really, did you think the most recent playoffs were boring? How do you figure?
- Zezel

Other than the Pen/Flyers series there was no hatred. It was all defensive boring hockey with no dislike between the teams.

Clouts. Rieder has a very marginal chance to make it in the NHL, especially as a top-six winger. Yakupov a very good chance at being a top line player. You don't settle for less. Who's to say Hall isn't the one to get moved? Or Eberle? I know it seems dumb now, but poop happens (Before I get flamed, currently I wouldn't move either before Yak and Ebs is a beastly beast). Give him a year in the NHL, give him two. Hell give him three, then maximize his return for a needed commodity since by then they have to be going semi-deep into the playoffs or they've (frank)ed up somewhere.

According to laughs2907, he is the next Alex Daigle, might be able to get a 3rd round pick for him if you are lucky.


Happy New Years (frank)ers

Clouts. Rieder has a very marginal chance to make it in the NHL, especially as a top-six winger. Yakupov a very good chance at being a top line player. You don't settle for less. Who's to say Hall isn't the one to get moved? Or Eberle? I know it seems dumb now, but poop happens (Before I get flamed, currently I wouldn't move either before Yak and Ebs is a beastly beast). Give him a year in the NHL, give him two. Hell give him three, then maximize his return for a needed commodity since by then they have to be going semi-deep into the playoffs or they've (frank)ed up somewhere.
- AdamFrench

Missed the part about Rieder perhaps someday replacing Hemsky? Meaning, the Top 6 RW jobs go to Hemsky and Eberle, whom both have shown can play amazing hockey?

Other than the Pen/Flyers series there was no hatred. It was all defensive boring hockey with no dislike between the teams.
- Ben37

I don't know if I'd say every single series of the last playoffs was boring defensive hockey man...I was well entertained by quite a few of the games I watched

then again I'm a Leafs fan so any playoff hockey seems like a beautiful mystical unicorn to me

MUCH better. Blog instead of tweet all day. Good read. Makes day go by more interesting.

should have drafted Ryan Murray

Should have drafted Morgan Rielly

Missed the part about Rieder perhaps someday replacing Hemsky? Meaning, the Top 6 RW jobs go to Hemsky and Eberle, whom both have shown can play amazing hockey?
- Maxbone

I'm hungover as (frank) bro I can't see my Richard in front of my vag

Richard, it's too early to deal Yakupov. He's not playing on a North American rink over there. He possibly could be a better North American type player, then a Europlayer. You say he needs to play with elite talent, but don't you already have a few of those type of young players coming up into their prime? I'd wait, before dealing him, unless a ridiculous deal, like trading him for the first or second overall, in this year's draft. If Edmonton were offered an opportunity, to draft Seth Jones, then you might want to consider it. For now, relax! It's not the end of the world for Yakupov. He's playing against a team like Canada, that is rare, due to the number of NHL caliber players that dot their lineup. If this was a non strike year, he'd probably dominate.

should have drafted Ryan Murray
- dhamon316

Should have drafted Alex Galchenyuk? I agree. Murray? Not so sure.

Should have drafted Morgan Rielly
- Zezel

I'd rank Rielly ahead of Murray.

no way you trade this guy. nothing's changed in the past 6 months. he'll be a stud.

I'd rank Rielly ahead of Murray.
- Maxbone

depends what youre looking for. Leafs need a Rielly more than a Murray. CBJ needs a Murray more than a Rielly.

Getzloaf or Subban for someone who has yet to play an nhl game?

I think I've had enough of the internet for one day.

depends what youre looking for. Leafs need a Rielly more than a Murray. CBJ needs a Murray more than a Rielly.
- scotch_tape

CBJ needs about four straight seasons of last place like Edmonton did.

Getzloaf or Subban for someone who has yet to play an nhl game?

I think I've had enough of the internet for one day.
- Deadmau55

Getzlaf is in the last year of his contract, see...

Should have drafted Alex Galchenyuk? I agree. Murray? Not so sure.
- Maxbone

too early to say, give him time, a few average games and people regret the pick? C'mon

CBJ needs about four straight seasons of last place like Edmonton did.
- Maxbone

I'm not so sure about that. They're going to be hard to play against. They seem to have a good amount of grit and tenacity, after making their deals, last year. I can't see them finishing dead last this year, unless the injury bug hits them.

too early to say, give him time, a few average games and people regret the pick? C'mon
- Symba007

Who regrets the pick? If you go back in my blogs, you'll see me saying the Oilers should consider Galchenyuk because they need a big center more than they need another right winger. Yakupov has played fine at the WJC. His play isn't the issue. The Oilers positional needs are the issue, and Yakupov could be used to fix a major roster hole.