I would take Yakupov on Calgary for sure, but it is all price-dependent. My thoughts are that Edmonton sucks period - that includes the on-ice product and systems, culture, scouting, development, etc.
Yakupov may be young enough still that a team with a strong culture and the willingness to give him the time and attention necessary to turn his game around might just end up really happy with him.
It won't be Calgary - or anyone else in the Pacific anyways. The risk is too great for that to blow up in their faces, so the cost would make acquiring him prohibitive. However, with how highly Edmonton values their personnel, I would anticipate that their demands are prohibitive for the other 29 teams in the NHL - just more so if you are the Flames or the Canucks.
The risk might be worth the reward. One thing I have always liked about Yakupov is his work ethic. Compare him to Hall on offence - they are about equal (maybe Hall has greater work ethic there). Defensively? Not even close - Yakupov actually hustles back and at least tries. I think he is lost in the defensive zone, but at least the effort and the willingness SEEMS to be there. That to me is a prospect that COULD turn it around on a team with a strong culture and leadership group, with an experienced coach.
He might end up just as he is now, but I would bet he would be better somewhere else on the right team. I doubt any team is going to give him much more than just a 2nd - maybe a 2nd and a lesser prospect who is also a bit of a reclamation project, but that is about all. I think the Oilers still think he is worth a 1st.
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