Talent Analysis

Yakupov is considered the best pure goal-scorer from the 2012 NHL Draft. In addition to great hands, Yakupov may be the best skater in the draft. The main negative for Yakupov is that he's more of a pure finisher than an overall offensive talent; he needs to work on involving his teammates more and setting up plays. The smallish Yakupov also experienced some injury problems in 2011-12, something that could be a problem in an NHL increasingly ruled by big men.