Nail Yakupov calls life in America 'boring'
Things just never worked out in North America for former first overall NHL draft pick Nail Yakupov, and it seems he's just fine with that. The 27-year-old, who's been playing in the KHL for the last three seasons, did an interview in his home country where he was asked about life in America. He seemed happy to be back in Russia.
"I won't say anything bad about America, but it's boring there. There are gorgeous conditions - the organization is top everywhere - but with my mentality, which was formed in Russia, in America there was a lack of action. Life is too measured," Yakupov said.
Taken first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2012, Yakupov played six seasons in the NHL between Edmonton, St. Louis and Colorado. He played a total of 350 regular season games, scoring 62 goals and 136 points.
"I live in Russia and I get great pleasure from it," said Yakupov.
"I had more offers in Russia than Avangard gave. But I didn't choose money. It was important for me to stay right here."
Yakupov won a Gagarin Cup with Avangard last season. His teammates included former NHLers Ilya Kovalchuk, Alexei Emelin, and Vladimir Zharkov.
Source: Metaratings.ru
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YESTERDAY
JUNE 4, 2026
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