This morning Dmitry Chesnokov confirmed what many had speculated, that Oiler draft pick Bogdan Yakimov would be leaving the KHL to start his North American hockey journey. The Oilers selected Yakimov and fellow Russian Anton Slepyshev in the 3rd round of last year’s draft as possibly value positions because of fear that these players wouldn’t want to come across the pond.
The Oilers have tried, in many respects, to be Russian friendly. They drafted Yakupov then the duo of young stars, and added Anton Belov to the fold. Unfortunately Belov didn’t work out as planned and the fear of Russian players giving up on NA Hockey became a reality with him. After a single season in the NHL he packed up his gear and returned home for fresher beets. The difference between him and newly drafted players, however, is that there’s less to risk for a 19 year old than for a 28 year old. Belov is in his prime earning years for hockey and wasn’t about to be paid like a Star in the NHL. It’s a good decision for his family to play in Russia, but for a kid like Yakimov, there is a lot more potential for him to make a career in the NHL.
Big Yak is a hulking kid at 6’5… and 220 pounds according to his KHL Bio page. When he comes over to NA he will join the Oilers organization as their biggest prospect down the middle (literally), and that makes him a hot commodity for the franchise. The team today is missing the marriage of size and skill in their minor leagues, especially in prospects with even a fleeting chance of making the NHL. The good news is that next year with Yakimov, Khaira, and Moroz there is a solid injection of size and grit in the farm.
This year Yakimov played with the same KHL team that Nail played for and put up 7-5-12 in 33 games. Now one of the things to consider is that Russia traditionally plays young players very sparingly. Yakimov averaged just 9:55/game with Neftekhimik. When he comes and plays (assumingly) with the Barons next season he should be afforded significantly more ice time and devotion to his personal development. The Redline Report called this kid an absolute tank and the Oilers should be excited to have some of this starting to enter their NA system.
Now we should be prepared that it could take some time for him to adapt to the NA game. He is no different than Klefbom or Belov in that respect, but perhaps it’s going to be slightly easier for a big framed forward to adapt than a defensemen just because of the nature of the positions. All told, with Lander possibly set to graduate next fall there is a huge opportunity for this next wave of players in Oklahoma and eventually the Oilers.
If the Oilers can turn Yakimov into an NHL player (and Nail can rebound and become the beloved player he should be) then the franchise may be able to make themselves a welcome home to future Russian players. That might seem unnecessary, but if Russian players continue to be undervalued at the draft and the Oilers can overcome the very thing that prevents those players from being drafted higher, then they have access to an underserved market. Any advantage they can get over the 29 other teams is extremely beneficial. It really starts with Yakimov.
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