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Yakupov will be a healthy scratch again Monday

nailyakupovgetty

Nail Yakupov wasn’t happy to find out that the Edmonton Oilers wouldn’t use him in Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, so imagine how he feels now.

Oilers coach Dallas Eakins has decided to scratch the promising 20-year-old forward again for Monday’s contest against the Washington Capitals. The Oilers suffered a 6-5 overtime loss without him on Saturday.

Yakupov didn’t record a point in his first four games this season, but Eakins’ primary concern is the 2012 first overall pick’s tendency to try and do too much by himself.

“You have to use your linemates, so it was more of a reset button for him,” Eakins said. “He can come in fresh with a new perspective.”

It’s still just October and Yakupov, as talented as he is, still has a lot of growing to do. It’s not unheard of for even first overall picks to spend some time on the sidelines as the team works on their development.

It’s just a matter of time before he’ll be allowed to re-enter the lineup.

“My goal is to play in the NHL. I have not had any conversations (with Neftekhimik). I love it here” - Nail Yakupov #Oilers

— Slava Malamud (@SlavaMalamud) October 14, 2013

“I was shocked to hear (the KHL rumors). First thought was, “Is dad trying to do something?”. But no, he’d never go behind my back"- Yakupov

— Slava Malamud (@SlavaMalamud) October 14, 2013

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