I think this was a good signing by you guys. I've watched Yakovlev play many matches over the past few years. I thought a year ago he would've definitely made it in the NHL. This past season I didn't think he was all that good. If he can get back to his playing level from a year ago, I don't see why he couldn't be a bottom pairing defenseman or better. Worst case scenario, he's like a 7th D type of player. Good skater, passes the puck well, can put up some points, although he's not offensively dynamic. The question is his defense. I didn't think he defended well this past season.
Someone mentioned Dyblenko. I don't think thats a good comparison. Yakovlev was way more accomplished before coming to NA than Dyblenko was. There's a chance he ends up similar to Dyblenko in that he never really contributes in the NHL, but I don't think it would be because he's comparable to Dyblenko.