VIDEO: One-on-one with Edmonton Oilers rookie Nail Yakupov
Russian Nail Yakupov was all smiles after being selected first overall by Edmonton in June. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images)
2012-08-29 13:47:00
Despite loads of speculation the Edmonton Oilers would select a defenseman with the No. 1 overall pick in this past June's draft, the team went with the consensus top prospect, Nail Yakupov.
The kid with a beaming smile and zealous attitude may have his NHL debut pushed back by a lockout, but whenever he does hit NHL ice for the first time, Edmonton fans will have yet another explosive, electric talent to get excited about.
THN's Ryan Kennedy caught up with Yakupov at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase.
PRODUCER: Ted Cooper
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"Last year we came in as maybe an underdog, quietly. Got off to the right start just because teams weren't really ready for us. But this time around that's not the case. They realize we are a good team and they're ready to go against us, right off the get-go."
- Los Angeles' Colin Fraser. The Kings have lost two in a row and are now tied 2-2 in their series against the San Jose Sharks.
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