Hart has to play with RNH and Yak. It would be amazing. Hart would bust to the net moving back the D opening up space, giving RNH time to feed Yak the puck literally anywhere so he can snipe goal after goal after goal. That line would truly be perfect. Size, speed, skill and playmaking.
While the optics of the way he plays is this tantalizing mix of Bure and Ovechkin....it is his desire and compete level that truly intrigue me. I realize he came back in the playoffs and had a sub-par performance but certainly, he strikes me as a pretty well grounded kid thanks to his parents; someone who loves the game and understands that it is indeed a privilege to be paid millions to play this game for a living instead of slogging for 10, 12 hours a day (as he mentioned in that Sportsnet sit down interview).
If Tambellini is stupid enough to trade this pick, Rexall probably would get burnt to the ground...
helps the new downtown arena project
I think Tambo will actively shop the pick... They seem to be high on the Dmen this draft .. would suck for sure but it might happen.
Might as well put both Yakupov and Hall on the same line.. Nuge and Ebs play a different style and might be better without players who like to rush the puck in a take a shot.
Yakupov and Hall might compliment each other very well..
Gotta disagree. Hall and Yakupov both play a speed based attacking style that opens up space for their linemates. Why have that effect on one line rather than on two? Everyone played better with Hall on their line and that is why. Yakupov gives us that on two lines.
Gotta disagree. Hall and Yakupov both play a speed based attacking style that opens up space for their linemates. Why have that effect on one line rather than on two? Everyone played better with Hall on their line and that is why. Yakupov gives us that on two lines.
I think Yakupov would open up ice for Hall and having them on the same lines means dmen will have to play off them because either of them could burn you with there speed. This would benefit Hall as it would make plays like the Sarich hit more dangerous because a missed hit could lead to a breakaway for Yak. The way I see it is it would be Kariya-Selanne version 2.0
Gotta disagree. Hall and Yakupov both play a speed based attacking style that opens up space for their linemates. Why have that effect on one line rather than on two? Everyone played better with Hall on their line and that is why. Yakupov gives us that on two lines.
It seemed like it because the other LW options included guys like Jones, Paajarvi and Smyth (without his mojo)
The play died with Hall a lot when the 3 kids were together. Nuge or Ebs carrying the puck in created way better scoring chances than a rushing Hall.
I think Yakupov would open up ice for Hall and having them on the same lines means dmen will have to play off them because either of them could burn you with there speed. This would benefit Hall as it would make plays like the Sarich hit more dangerous because a missed hit could lead to a breakaway for Yak. The way I see it is it would be Kariya-Selanne version 2.0
I just hope we get to have this argument with both guys actually dressed in Oiler colours. I will be so disappointed if we don't take Yakupov now.
For those worried about cap room, you pay your best players, take care of your core, and fill out the the roster with a mix of cheap veterans and ELC's.
The cap is going up, we have Smyth, Khabibulin expiring and if need be, buying out or trading Horcoff will be doable after this year.
There's enough money to go around for the next few years. The key is not giving stupid contracts to secondary players.
Also Nail Yakupov is Muslim, as a Fellow Muslim, I feel like this is exactly what I need to be named the first ever Muslim mod on HFOil, I'm gonna talk to Nail and make sure that's a condition in his contract.
I said it earlier in the thread, but I think Yakupov is like a mix of Hall and Eberle. He has the speed and drive of Taylor Hall. He can burn around guys and scare the crap out of D-men and find open ice with his wheels, but he can also make opposing players and goalies look like idiots with his quick release snipes and evasive hands. He comes in a small package but shouldn't be considered small. He is a tank, built short and wide and he certainly doesn't play small like some other big guys do. Despite what some jealous scouts say, he is a complete package and god damn we are lucky to have the opportunity to get this guy in an Oilers jersey. The fact we are even considering the idea of trading this kid is absolutely ludicrous. Mark my words, he will be better than any player we have now.
For those worried about cap room, you pay your best players, take care of your core, and fill out the the roster with a mix of cheap veterans and ELC's.
The cap is going up, we have Smyth, Khabibulin expiring and if need be, buying out or trading Horcoff will be doable after this year.
There's enough money to go around for the next few years. The key is not giving stupid contracts to secondary players.
Yakupov will become a RFA just when Horcoff's contract expires.. Thats covered
Nuge becomes a RFA when Hemsky's new contract expires.. covers the raise
We'll be fine. Just need to survive next offseason when we have to reup Ebs, Hall and Smid. Expiring contracts of Whitney, Sutton and Khabibulin should be enough. Based on this... giving Smyth a 2yr contract would be stupid.
I' e read all the links & watched every link, video, & blog/report on Nail that I could. Just have a feeling he is going to be another Ovi type charactor. I'm sold!!
Also, I don't buy his physical play translating. Playing against men in the NHL is different than playing against kids in Junior.
It does obviously, but it's not like everyone in the OHL is 16 years old weighing 130 pounds either. Physical play has more to do with mental confidence and skating ability than actual physical size, in my opinion. if a guy has drive and he's solid on his feet, he will be able to hold his own in this league. Not to mention, Yakupov is built solid. He's 185, 5'11, build like a house and he's got room to grow. Yak may be short but he is not small.
