John Leyba / The Denver Post)
DENVER — Nail Yakupov entered the Avalanche's home opener Wednesday with a team-high two goals, and tied with Matt Duchene in scoring with three points. It's far too early to suggest the Russian winger is turning around what was once considered a can't-miss career, but he's certainly happy in Colorado.
"It is fun. It starts from the locker room, with the boys, and I think I have really good chemistry with everyone," said Yakupov, one of the Avs' four Russians.
The Avs signed Yakupov — the No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft — to a modest one-year contract in July.