When the summer opened up, I pegged Nail Yakupov as the most likely Edmonton Oiler to be moved via trade. I certainly was not expecting Yakupov to outlast Taylor Hall, but as Kevin Lowe once said, expect the unexpected. Yakupov, as of this writing, is still on the roster, and it appears that he’ll be heading to camp with the big squad this September.
Whether it’s because he never actually requested a trade or because Edmonton simply cannot get the proper value for him, Yakupov has not been moved. It also sounds like the team is preparing to have him back to start the season.
“I believe in giving people opportunities to recover… Yak is working extremely hard this summer.” Coach McLellan on @Nail10_1993
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 27, 2016
McLellan (via Lowetide) went on to discuss how Yakupov is trying new things this off-season in an effort to have more success in 2016-17.
I’m skeptical as to if Yakupov can be successful with the Oilers. He’s struggled mightily the last three seasons and looked lost at times last year. Todd McLellan appeared frustrated with the player and I felt like the coach used him in some bad spots. Yakupov should not be playing with Mark Letestu, plain and simple.
I’d love to see Yakupov get a chance to play with Connor McDavid and Milan Lucic, I think he’d have success there, but I’m not sure if the coach will go through with it.
While I have my doubts about this relationship, a few things are certain. Yakupov is working extremely hard to improve, his team is expecting him back, and he can really help the Oilers if they find a spot for him.
Play him with McDavid and get him going, it’s the right thing to do.
Condors Sign Descheneau:
The Condors have signed winger Jaedon Descheneau (@jdescheneau14) to an #AHL contract. >> https://t.co/ZEL1WpZiNEpic.twitter.com/p899MT4uhF
— Bakersfield Condors (@Condors) July 28, 2016
We discussed the Condors signing Frankie Simonelli to an AHL deal earlier this week, and now we turn our attention to the club’s latest signing, Jaedon Descheneau.
The 21-year old Edmonton native just wrapped up his junior career with the Kootenay Ice and was a St. Louis Blues draft choice (no. 124) back in 2014. At 5’9” and 192 pounds, he enters the Oilers system as a smaller forward.
He missed all but two games during the 2015-16 season with an injury, but posted 34-47-81 in 70 tilts back in 2014-15. Descheneau also posted 44 goals back in 2013-14, finishing the year with boxcars of 44-54-98 in 70 games.
This signing is reminiscent of the transactions that brought Josh Winquist and Mitch Holmberg to the system two years ago. While Holmberg didn’t quite work out, Winquist ended up being a strong AHL’er for two seasons. He was good enough that Bridgeport (Islanders) decided to sign him for the upcoming season.
Expectations for Descheneau? Likely some time in the ECHL this season getting back to speed and adapting to the pro game. That said, you can never have enough skill in the system, and sometimes these low risk moves pan out.
Captain McDavid?:
I know Kris is going to do a piece on this soon, so I’ll keep it short, but the Oilers are going to have a captain in place for next season. At least, that’s what Todd McLellan is saying.
“Yeah, we will.” Coach McLellan, asked if the #Oilers will have a new captain in place by their season opener on Oct. 12
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 27, 2016
Now I know what everyone is thinking, it’s got to be McDavid, right? Connor McDavid is going to be the captain of the Edmonton Oilers at some point, I’m just not sure if that some point is right now. At 19 years old, McDavid would become the youngest captain in NHL history. Is he ready for that pressure?
I think letting McDavid go a full season in the NHL (remember, he missed a large chunk of last year due to injury) before naming him captain is the right thing to do. I would name a transitional captain for a year or two, someone like Milan Lucic.
Just my .02, but I suspect it will be McDavid.
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