Yakupov's NHL comeback rumor has been put to bed after signing in China
Former 1st-overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Nail Yakupov has decided to continue his professional hockey career in China with the Kunlun Red Star of the KHL.
Yakupov, now 30, has spent the last 7 seasons playing in Russia. His choice to go to the KHL came after a struggling 6-years in the NHL where he played for the Edmonton Oilers, St Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche. The last time Yakupov stepped foot on NHL ice was back in 2017-18, where he tallied 9 goals and 16 points in 58 games for Colorado.
There was an ongoing rumor that Yakupov was going to be making an NHL comeback after his contract concluded in Russia. He was seen practicing and training with NHL stars such as Matvei Michkov and Andrei Svechnikov which sparked speculation about his desires to return to North America. But, we now know that he will be continuing his career in the KHL.
It would have been an awesome story line this season, but it doesn't mean he wont try next year. With only singing a 1-year contract with Kunlun, could he be gearing up to try and make a return in 2025-2026? Only time will tell, we wish him all the best in his future with the Kunlun Red Star.
Source: DailyFaceoff
Former top pick Nail Yakupov signs with KHL's Kunlun Red Star
| POLL | ||
14 AOUT | 28 ANSWERS Yakupov's NHL comeback rumor has been put to bed after signing in China Do you think that Nail Yakupov still has what it takes to make a comeback to the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 7 | 25 % |
| No | 21 | 75 % |
| List of polls | ||
