630 CHED Sports
6/22/2012
The Edmonton Oilers have taken Nail Yakupov with the first overall pick of the 2012 NHL draft in Pittsburgh.
Yakupov, 18, spent the last two seasons playing with the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League. He racked up 170 points in 107 games. In 2011-12, he was limited to 42 games because of injuries, but still finished with 31 goals and 38 assists. He also helped Russia win a silver medal at the World Junior Championships.
Yakupov shoots left but plays right wing. He's 5'11" and 190 pounds.
This is the third year in a row the Oilers have had the top pick. In 2010, they took Taylor Hall. Last year, they selected Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
The rest of the draft will be held Saturday. (jrw)
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