Nail Yakupov to Blues: Latest Trade Details, Comments, Reaction

The St. Louis Blues acquired right winger Nail Yakupov from the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, according to TSN's Jason Gregor and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Jeremy Rutherford. 

The Blues confirmed the deal and announced that Yakupov was nabbed in exchange for a 2017 conditional third-round pick and forward Zach Pochiro. TSN Sport's Frank Seravalli noted the pick can become a 2018 second-round selection if Yakupov scores at least 15 goals this season.  

Yakupov burst on the scene with 17 goals and 14 assists during his rookie year, but his production hasn't lived up to that solid standard in the seasons since. 

The 23-year-old mustered just 11 goals and 13 assists during the 2013-14 season, and he followed that up by tallying 14 goals and 19 helpers the following year.

His production continued to reside in fairly average territory last season as the once-adored prospect managed a career-low eight goals and 15 assists in 60 games. That said, Yakupov was only minus-16 in the plus-minus column, which represented the best mark of his career since his debut campaign (minus-four). 

But even though he hasn't lived up to expectations thus far, Yakupov will be a low-risk, high-reward play for the Blues. Not only is he still just 23, but Yakupov has one year and $2.5 million remaining on his deal. 

"He's got the skill to compliment our group, and the game is trending to younger and faster players," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said, according to the team's official Twitter account. 

And if Yakupov does thrive in new surroundings, the Blues will have a chance to keep him under team control when he becomes a restricted free agent following the 2016-17 season. 

Considering they paid a bargain-basement price for a player who was once believed to be a potential franchise cornerstone, the Blues can't be knocked for gambling on a talent who could help the offense thrive in due time. 

Contract information courtesy of Spotrac.