Nail Yakupov has struggled. It has been evident ever since he slipped on an Edmonton Oilers jersey and went unexpectedly first-overall at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. After a season of tension and apparent trade requests, as well as criticism from Team Russia, Yakupov has taken quite a fall.
General Manager Peter Chiarelli recently spoke about Yakupov, slamming all rumors that the Russian wingder demanded a trade. This could either be the truth, or it could be because Yakupov is expected to remain on the team.
The return for him is apparently down to a third-round pick, and it seems more likely than not that Chiarelli would rather hang onto a player who can increase depth on the right side than trade him away.