Yakimov suited up for one NHL game with Edmonton in 2014-15 but then went down to the AHL to play with the Oklahoma City Barons. In 57 games, he finished with 12 goals and 28 points and was a plus-7. While his numbers weren’t that of a top prospect, they were solid and showed promise as he continued to work toward his goals of the NHL.
The following season, Yakimov started the year Bakersfield Condors in 2015-16, recording five goals and 15 points through 36 games. After that, he left for the KHL on a loan to Neftekhimik Nizhnekasmk, where he finished the year with just three goals and four points in 11 games.