I like this blog post, concise, well articulated and convincing. I like how you didn't jump to any conclusions or rash statements based solely on numbers. Some bloggers on here would have made a "bold" statement that Yakupov is better than Eberle based on those numbers and started a lame argument in the comments section. But you clearly uses the numbers in a constructive way to prove a very reasonable argument. Great read!

Hey guys just a thought, with all the crazy vessey talk I'm surprised that he can go wherever (I know he wants to stay in the east)but apparently he's concerned about a second contract! Would not playing with Connor be appealing and boost his numbers more than any team mentioned? Plus the exposure (lucic could play second lw)I know he hasn't played shat!!!but the scouts and gms are pretty high on this kid!oh and this teams finally playoff bound! !barring major injuries imo.
- MR.Hunter

We have Lucic, Maroon, and Pouliot on the left side. We're good. He would have to start the year in the AHL, which I don't see him wanting to do.

And for yak,give him a chance to redeem himself and if not then a 2nd and a decent defenseman prospect would be decent, buy earlier talk for a 3rd or lose him in expansion is absurd! !

20-25-45 but the line as a whole performs well. That's what i want from Yak. More is gravy.
- Matt_Henderson

So McDavid is the fries, Lucic the chees curd and Yak the gravy?

But should McDavid play with Yakupov?
- Feds91Stammer

Hey, good question, no.

I would start the season with
Lucic - McD - Eberle
Pouliot - Drasaitl - Yak
Maroon - Nuge - Pulju/Kassian/Pakarinen
Hendriks - Letestu - Kassian/Pakarinen
+ Lander 13th

but it will obvisouly depends on how Puljujarvi performs at camp

Spread out the lines that's why:

Lucic / McDavid / Yakupov
Maroon / Draisaitl / Eberle
Pouliot / Nuge / Puljujarvi
Hendricks / Letestu / Kassian

I missed the 17 goals on his rookie year but to say a guy is going to get 40 when he hasn't hit the 20 goal mark is ridiculous. McDavid is crazy good but he's not going to over double a guy's goal production.
- SimmerDown17

I do get that logic, but Yakupovs recent bad seasons have made you forget how purely talented he is. If he gets it going, which I think he's too good not to, he could score 30 w/ anyone. So McDavid makes him good for an extra 10. Ideally.

Honestly, you're probably right. But if the choice is lose him for nada or get a 2nd then the choice has to be the 2nd.
- Matt_Henderson

If he doesn't turn it around this year (which I think he will), and all you're going to get for Yak is a 2nd, then you don't bother. You keep him exposed, hope he is taken so that you can keep Davidson in the fold. Not losing Davidson to expansion is much better than a 2nd round draft pick that we'll mess up, and I believe if Yak is exposed to expansion he will definitely be the Vegas pick.

(frank) Yakupov

(frank) Yakupov
- laughs2907

i wish

Good blog Hendo. I agree with almost everything, although I wouldn't be so quick to pencil Yak as the odd man out during expansion, especially if he finds an extended gig in the top 6 before the TDL. Depending on if he achieves some success and how much of it I would consider moving forward with Yak instead of dishing at the TDL for a 2nd or exposing him in the draft.

If Yak can't make a big jump and find a productive fit in the top 6 then I don't really give a poop what is done with him.

i wish
- DDM-Coga

Pajaarvi-Burmistrov-Yakupov would be the single most talented line in the entire NHL to combine for less than 30 goals.

Yakupov's problem is 50% deployment and 50% hockey sense. The Oilers have screwed him thus far, for sure. He has incredible hands, a VERY quick shot, and he's very fast in the way that he darts around and can change direction at full speed without warning or issue. Not amazing in a straight line, but shifty as hell. He's also a dumb hockey player. Could be a genius in real life, but he doesn't seem to read the play or use his linemates very well. All the talent in the world, but unless something changes for him, his success will always be dependent on his linemates. (This is all based on the maybe 25~ games I've watched of Yakupov, so, I could be outdated in my opinions).

Pajaarvi-Burmistrov-Yakupov would be the single most talented line in the entire NHL to combine for less than 30 goals.

Yakupov's problem is 50% deployment and 50% hockey sense. The Oilers have screwed him thus far, for sure. He has incredible hands, a VERY quick shot, and he's very fast in the way that he darts around and can change direction at full speed without warning or issue. Not amazing in a straight line, but shifty as hell. He's also a dumb hockey player. Could be a genius in real life, but he doesn't seem to read the play or use his linemates very well. All the talent in the world, but unless something changes for him, his success will always be dependent on his linemates. (This is all based on the maybe 25~ games I've watched of Yakupov, so, I could be outdated in my opinions).
- Rexypoo

Sounds about right to me. His one timer is a bit inaccurate as well.

- laughs2907

Sorry Coga it appears Yak is taken.

I do get that logic, but Yakupovs recent bad seasons have made you forget how purely talented he is. If he gets it going, which I think he's too good not to, he could score 30 w/ anyone. So McDavid makes him good for an extra 10. Ideally.
- James_Tanner

Don't think Yak is going to score 30 with Lander but go ahead and call me crazy.

I agree totally, I mean he is still a baby and has elite skills. Trade him to my Flyers and he would get the opportunity to be great. He will be just too many negative fans that want immediate results. The gong show in Edmonton the last few years has not given anyone a chance to shine regularly. Personally I love Yak and am not even an Oiler type of guy .

I still think they were nuts not to draft Ryan Murray instead

I still think they were nuts not to draft Ryan Murray instead
- GstrangWondah

I agree totally, I mean he is still a baby and has elite skills. Trade him to my Flyers and he would get the opportunity to be great. He will be just too many negative fans that want immediate results. The gong show in Edmonton the last few years has not given anyone a chance to shine regularly. Personally I love Yak and am not even an Oiler type of guy .
- joegreif17

Sure. Send us Read and a 2nd.

- DDM-Coga

Captain Hindsight would say somebody like Rielly, Lindholm, Trouba... Yak vs Murray was discussion at the time.

Sure. Send us Read and a 2nd.
- Wildschwein

Get your GM to make Hextall that offer and you have a deal!

Get your GM to make Hextall that offer and you have a deal!
- joegreif17

Huh. And here I was trying to be facetious.

(frank) the first offer! Ghost for Yak!

Captain Hindsight would say somebody like Rielly, Lindholm, Trouba... Yak vs Murray was discussion at the time.
- GstrangWondah

and yakupov was still considered the clear cut 1st overall pick. It just sucks that Yak hasnt lived up to expectations...and its not like Murray is some marquee Dman living up to his draft status either.

Typical Oiler fan wanting to "fist" other men and yes there is something wrong with that.
- annoyance__101

I am amazed you came back.