Prospect Info: Yakimov ready to play in the AHL

[Alessandro Seren Rosso]

Just published a translated interview with Yakimov, where he says he's ready to play in the AHL, but will try to get to the NHL right away.

"I’ll do whatever I can to play in the NHL right away, I know I have a good chance. Of course, if I’ll play in the AHL I’ll show that it’s not a problem to me"

Read the rest here: http://thehockeywriters.com/interview-with-oilers-prospect-bogdan-yakimov/

Click to read more...

 

[s7ark]

Good attitude. I think he's almost certainly starting in the A, but perhaps if he rocks it in OKC he can be a call up.

I'm looking forward to seeing him in camp.

 

[rickyrunfar]

Good read. Hope this guy turns out and is the future third line center.

 

[sepHF]

I thought the title said Yakupov at first... I was like whaaat?

 

[Fixed to Ruin]

He's a centre however if foot speed and skating is and issue then i wonder if he would be more successful at the NHL level on the wing. If he's too slow he becomes too much of a defensive liability at centre.

Either way, I am excited to see him play.

 

[thadd]

Nice. He's going to be given all the chances in the world in OKC.

 

[Roof Daddy]

Very excited about this player. If he can pan out as a 3C, maybe a poor man's Hanzal, suddenly size isn't an issue down the middle. Nuge-Drai-Yakimov would be a great 1-2-3 if they all reach their ceilings.

 

[McStimperi]

Sweet. Excited to see him come over.

 

[rickyrunfar]

Watching youtube highlights it looks like this can use his size on the cycle. If Yakimov, Draisatl, Jujhar Khaira turn out lord stanley is ours

 

[ohheyhemsky]

Russian factor

 

[LTIR]

So his is BFF with Nichushkin.. Another reason why we shouldve drafted him over Nurse.

 

[AlowlyMcOilersfan]

can't wait to see him in Penticton and/or exhibition games

 

[PaPaDee]

He's already played against men as a 19 year old and held his own. Will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the North America ice.

 

[McShogun99]

It would be nice to finally have a pick outside of the 1st round or Marincin that actually pans out.

 

[McIce Whole]

I'm extremely excited for Yakimov. He has the potential to be a very good player and if he pans out, RNH-Draisaitl-Yakimov down the middle would be pretty solid.

 

[The Perfect Human*]

Who knows...maybe he's the answer for that big gaping hole at 2C

 

[McBooya42]

Who knows...maybe he's the answer for that big gaping hole at 2C

Umm no. Draisaitl yes in a year or two. I would love to be proven wrong regarding Yakimov however.

 

[Wheathead]

So his is BFF with Nichushkin.. Another reason why we shouldve drafted him over Nurse.

Don't worry. He can make new friends.

Still should've picked Nurse over Nichushkin.

 

[The Nuge]

I'm extremely excited for Yakimov. He has the potential to be a very good player and if he pans out, RNH-Draisaitl-Yakimov down the middle would be pretty solid.

It'd sure be nice to have 2 220+ centermen in the top 9.

The more I hear from Yakimov, the more excited I get. He definitely doesn't fit the "Russian" stereotype

 

[PaperDesigner]

Yakimov is a good prospect. He had a pretty impressive year in the KHL considering the minimal ice time he received. Coming to North America this season is a good move for him, considering they will likely prioritize his ice time here and it will give him time to adjust to the North American game.

I hope he makes it as a second or third line centre.

 

[Kulleroinen*]

If he would have dominated kids in some canadian junior league, he would have been a first round pick. He will be a center for us, #2 or #3 very shortly.

 

[PaPaDee]

If he would have dominated kids in some canadian junior league, he would have been a first round pick. He will be a center for us, #2 or #3 very shortly.

As long as he's able to adjust to the North American game I'd agree.

 

[ohheyhemsky]

I also thought this said "Yakupov", and was a little disappointed. Yakimov has already stated his desire to make the NHL and go through any hoop, happily, to do so.

Yakupov, on the other hand, could use some AHL seasoning. It would have been nice if it were him saying this.

 

[Aceboogie]

As long as he's able to adjust to the North American game I'd agree.

His game is probaly better for NA style too.

This guy sounds like a gamer. Left a lot behind to sludge it out in the AHL for 70k. He would probaly have made 500k in the NHL in his home country. That's a lot of character right there.

 

[SeriousBusiness]

Yak, are you taking notes? This is how you earn credibility in the NHL.