Yakupov played just 4:37 TOI on Saturday and will be replaced by Dominic Toninato in the lineup tonight in Minnesota. This will be the sixth time in nine games that Yakupov has served as a healthy scratch.
Yakupov, who played just 7:49 TOI on Wednesday, will swap places with Sven Andrighetto tonight and play with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Yakupov has two goals in his last eight games, but his promotion makes him an interesting daily play tonight.
Yakupov has two goals and two assists (four points) in 11 games with the Blues this season—he has not picked up a point in the last five games and will be replaced by Ryan Reaves tonight vs. the Blue Jackets.
Yakupov, 23, was the first overall pick in 2012 but has never been able to get back on track after a great rookie season. He broke into the NHL with 31 points (17G / 14A) in 48 games during the lockout shortened season, but picked up just 33 goals and 47 assists (80 points) in 204 games over the last three seasons combined. The Blues have depth on the wing, but Yakupov adds a little extra and will likely start in the bottom-6.
Yakupov will be in the lineup for the first time since November 25th. He missed time with a high ankle sprain but will be back in the lineup tonight and should skate on the third line and see some power-play time. Yakupov performed much better with Connor McDavid than he did without, so don’t expect a tonne of offence until 97 gets back.
Despite saying his ankle was 100% and Matt Hendricks being suspended, the Oilers will hold Yakupov out of the lineup on Tuesday. With Yakupov unavailable the Oilers will go with seven defensemen.
Yakupov has been out since November 25th, but it looks like he could return to the lineup on Tuesday. Yakupov, who was dealing with a high ankle sprain, has two goals and 10 assists (12 points) in 22 games this season. Monitor his status during the Oilers’ morning skate to be sure he returns to the lineup.
Yakupov has been out since November 25th and is expected to miss just over three more weeks with a high ankle sprain. Connor McDavid should be completely up to speed by the time Yakupov gets back, which should make it easier for Yak to slide back into the lineup.
Yakupov had to be helped off the ice just 2.5 minutes into the second period Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes after linesman Matt MacPherson backed into Yakupov off a faceoff at centre ice, lost his footing and fell, pulling Yakupov down with him. “It could have been significantly worse based on how it happened,” said coach Todd McLellan. With Yakupov out, the Oilers called up forward Jujhar Khaira from Bakersfield.
Yakupov finished Saturday’s game on the Oilers’ second line with Connor McDavid and Benoit Pouliot and in practice on Monday he found himself there again. Yakupov has had a rough time cracking the Oilers’ top six, but if he starts producing on a line with McDavid, look out.
Yakupov, 21, had a terrible start to the season, posting just 12 points (5G / 7A) in 50 games in the first four months of the season, but finished relatively strong, collecting nine goals and 12 assists (21 points) in the final 31 games. Yakupov was pending restricted free agent this summer, but is now locked up through the 2016-17 season.
Yakupov missed Tuesday’s game with a tweaked groin, but will be back in the lineup tonight vs. St. Louis. Yakupov has been great lately, registering four goals and four assists in his last eight games.
Yakupov will be held out of tonight’s game with a ‘tweaked groin’. The injury is not expected to keep him sidelined for long, but he will be replaced by Matt Fraser tonight.
Yakupov is doubtful to play on Tuesday after missing this morning’s game day skate. This is a tough break for the young winger, who has registered four goals and four assists (8 points) in his last 8 games.
