Edmonton Oilers right winger Nail Yakupov is currently engaged in a war of words with Team Russia’s World’s head coach Oleg Znarok.
Znarok claims that Yakupov did not make the World’s roster because of the ankle injury he sustained earlier in the year, as well as other injuries that plagued him at the end of the season.
However, Yakupov refuted the claim and told Russian outlets that that was not the reason that he did not make the roster. In fact, he was cleared for play beforehand by NHL doctors.
“No hockey player finishes the season without any injuries, and I am no exception,” Yakupov said.