In an interview with Sport-Express’s Igor Rabiner, Edmonton Oilers winger Nail Yakupov revealed that he and agent Igor Larionov requested a trade from the Oilers this season.
In the interview, Yakupov named four teams that had interest in him — New Jersey, Carolina, Winnipeg and Montreal — and also notes that Larionov was given leave to gage interest in his client from GMs around the league.
Larionov has been making the interview rounds Monday, discussing the situation. He hopped on Sportsnet’s Hockey Central to talk with the panel, hosted by Jeff Marek. There, Larionov reveals there were six or seven teams that expressed interest in getting a deal done to acquire Yakupov.
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Talking about the trade “demand,” Larionov praised Oilers General Manager Peter Chiarelli, saying he has “a lot of respect for him” and that Chiarelli “kept everything professional and quiet” regarding the trade request.
Larionov also discussed Yakupov’s struggles, highlighting that in the four years since entering the league Yakupov has had five coaches and three GMs. “I guess at some point he needs a fresh start,” Larionov said.
When asked if Yakupov will be in an Oilers jersey next season, Larionov simply responded, “It’s not in my hands.”
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