Yeah, I don't understand why Yak's agent came out and said how hes willing to make a move.
Not exactly his choice, is it? Unless he wants to run back home to Russia, he has no say in anything when it comes to playing in the NHL
aside from the fact that he has played like garbage on alot of nights, Yakupov probably feels like he wasn't given the proper chance with the more talented guys on the team and has gotten frustrated.
I'm sure that exiting Edmonton was not even a thought until eh saw some of the names of teams that were rumored to have been involved IN those rumors and when his Coach and GM stepped in to say he wasn't available, he allowed his agent to come in and help the front officwe save face by "Nail would be open to a new address" comment.
I'm sure that this "ballet" is being choreographed by both parties.
Not in a conspiricy sort of way.
The Oilers probably feel they need to improve their defence and Yak not playing they way they want him to play to maintain his value forces them to say He's not going anywhere. Regardless of his current level of suckage, he's an Oiler for life.
Yak, knowing he's not part of the long term solution in Edmonton as he is continually played out of place for his talent level knows hsi time is short and leaks through his agent he would be open to a deal.
It allows the Oilers to sell it to the fan base that the "player" didn't want to be here and we got the best deal possible.
we have the illusion of the team NOT wanting to part with the player while NOT playing him in a position to succeed.
We have the illusion of the player "open" to the idea of a trade based on his position on the team and lack of a commitment from the team to the player to maximize his skill sets.
The truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Do the Oilers REALLY want to move Yak? Absolutely not. They would prefer to have the defence resolved internally or via UFA route, but the reality of the Oilers is getting a UFA to commit to them long term is a tough task. Not impossible, but tough.
They are not trading RNH, Hall or Eberle. Gagne is not going to bring back the componants needed to improve drastically on D. Hemsky has MINIMAL value.
You want to improve your team, move the most risky and unknown asset you have.
Yakupov has the skill set coveted by every team out there. Teams will line up to give them for the most part, what they want.
I'd like to see the Rangers get him, but I do not see a deal centered around MDZ. For what the Oilers need, Moore is a better fit there.
Moore, Zuccarello, (MSC/Kristo/Fast/Lindberg) and a 1st for Yakupov is a realistic offer.