Nail Yakupov, left, a winger from Russia who was chosen first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the NHL hockey draft, stands with Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini on Friday, June 22, 2012, in Pittsburgh.Keith Srakocic/The Associated Press
The Edmonton Oilers have signed top pick Nail Yakupov to a three-year entry level contract.
Yakupov was selected first overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft after tallying 31 goals and 69 points with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League.
"We're very happy to sign Nail to a three-year contract," General Manager Steve Tambellini said in a prepared statement. "He's an extremely talented and passionate young man who we feel will be an integral part of our team for many years to come."
In 2010-11, Yakupov recorded 49 goals and 101 points with Sarnia on his way to being named OHL Rookie of the Year.
Yakupov was part of Team Russia in the 2011 World Junior U18 Championship, where he scored six times including a hat trick in the bronze-medal game to defeat Team Canada 6-4.
Yakupov had a team high nine assists in helping Russia to a silver medal at the 2012 World Junior Championship, losing to Sweden 1-0 in the final.