Oilers trade Nail Yakupov to Blues for Zach Pochiro, conditional pick
The Edmonton Oilers have traded forward Nail Yakupov to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Zach Pochiro and a conditional pick, the teams announced.
The Oilers selected Yakupov with the first pick in 2012. In 252 career games, Yakupov has scored 50 goals and 61 assists in 252 games over four seasons, including eight goals and 23 points in 2015-16. He is expected to earn $2.5 million for the upcoming season before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
According to the Blues, Yakupov will wear No. 64.
The conditional pick is a third round of the 2017 NHL draft, but could become a 2018 second-rounder if the 23-year-old winger scores 15 or more goals this season.
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Pochiro, a 22-year-old forward, was drafted with the 112th pick of the 2013 NHL draft. He's played at the WHL, ECHL and AHL levels.
The Chicago Blackhawks were also reportedly interested in Yakupov.