On Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers and the Chicago Blackhawks …
@BarstoolChief: Hearing from sources that the Chicago Blackhawks are trading for Nail Yakupov. Not sure who the Blackhawks are sending to Edmonton or if there is salary retained.
Bob McKenzie: “Regarding Yakupov to CHI trade rumors, my understanding as follows: CHI has had talks with EDM on Yak, could still have interest in him, but there is no imminent deal. CHI, at this moment, still looking at their kids to fill holes, but maybe that changes at some point. EDM would obviously need to take back salary in a Yakupov deal with CHI and while Bowman-Chiarelli did talk Yak trade, nothing too recent. All that said, depending on how things proceed for Hawks, Yakupov is player they have had interest in and may still have some interest.”
Mark Lazerus: Yakupov is a right winger and isn’t that good. Seems like an odd fit for the Blackhawks, but it does show the state of the Blackhawks forwards.
Mark Lazerus: A few months ago the Oilers and Blackhawks did talk about Mark McNeill a few months ago.
Jay Zawaski: Confirming @BarstoolChief’s Nail Yakupov report. The Blackhawks are close to trading for Yakupov. The trade is not done yet. The Blackhawks won’t be sending any current roster players to the Oilers. Will likely be a defenseman or center. Money seems to be the final step to the deal. The Oilers may have to retain salary if they really want to get rid of him.
Mark Spector: Sources saying the Blackhawks and Oilers are talking Yakupov. The Blackhawks would send AHL players to the Oilers and ask the Oilers to retain salary. Nothing is imminent, but trade talks continue. Mark McNeill could be an option for the Oilers, though from understanding, the Oilers haven’t had much interest in him.