The St. Louis Blues have acquired former first overall pick Nail Yakupov from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for prospect Zach Pochiro and a conditional pick in 2017.  Pochiro, a fourth round pick in 2013 registered nine goals and seventeen assists in forty-four ECHL games last season.  The conditional pick is a third rounder in 2017 and becomes a second round pick if Yakupov scores fifteen or more goals this season.

Since being selected first overall Yakupov has not lived up to expectations in Edmonton.  It’s been no secret that Peter Chiarelli and company have been trying to trade Yakupov since the deadline last year.  There were reports yesterday that the Chicago Blackhawks had interest in Yakupov and had a deal in place.  Talks fell apart when the Hawks wanted Edmonton to retain some of his salary.  No salary was retained in the trade between the Blues and Oilers.

I believe that Yakupov will have a pretty decent year this season.  A change of scenery will do wonders for the former first overall pick.  Elliotte Friedman is also reporting that Kris Russell could possibly sign with the Oilers later tonight.  That’s all for now, but be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all of your latest news.