Well I just said Nail Yakupov might pull it off a few minutes ago so might as well do it again here. Assuming he doesn't bolt to the KHL of course.
Yakupov has always strangely produced incredibly well when placed on lines with offensive minded Centres.
I am not joking, and I totally understand that he will never get a shot on Crosby or Malkins line. But the data is sort of there.
Yakupov CAN'T drive the play. This just isn't in his repetoire, and if you expect him to, he will fail dramatically.
When he flanked RNH, and Hall, he lead the Oilers in goals with 17 in the lockout shortend season.
Then a lot of nothing, when he was placed with offensive blackholes like Eric Belanger.
Playing with Derek Roy Yakupov had 21 points in 30 some odd games.
Then he went a PPG with McDavid for the first 12 games of McD career. (and no, no other player went a PPG with McDavid, not Eberle, not Maroon.. so don't say anyone can get that with McD).
He played with scrubs in St.L, and was terrible.
Then he seemed to do well with Duchene and then he was traded.
I know no team would is ever likely give Yakupov a chance to play with a Star Center who is capable of carrying the play, but Yak have proven he can produce there.
** AND NO NOT EVERY PLAYER CAN SO PLZ STOP THAT NONSENSE*