In predictable news, the Edmonton Oilers have signed first overall draft pick Nail Yakupov to a three-year, entry-level contract.
“We’re very happy to sign Nail to a three-year contract,” Oilers GM Steve Tambellini said in a release. “He’s an extremely talented and passionate young man who we feel will be an integral part of our team for many years to come.”
Yakupov, 18, is expected to compete for a roster spot in 2012-13, though the talented winger isn’t taking anything for granted.
“I want to prove with work and the way I play that I deserve to be on the team,” he said recently. “I want to get as much ice-time as I can. I want my team to win. I want to get a lot of points. I want to feel comfortable on the team. I don’t want to be in the limbo. I want to be a part of the team. I don’t want to be an up-and-down guy. And I want to be the best (laughs).”