Nail Yakupov – we have been watching this guy for over 12 years. Ever since he was selected first overall in the NHL Draft. Fate took the talented guy to different clubs. Even in the summer, there was a persistent rumor that Yakupov would move to Ak Bars – he is from Tatarstan. But in the end, Nail ended up in Kunlun. How did it happen? On our heels, Yakupov gave us an interview.
“I was ready to play for free for Ak Bars!”
— Are you happy to return to big hockey?
— I have no euphoria. I knew I would continue my career. It was probably only a matter of time before the contract was signed. But I am happy to no longer be a hermit and to have a new team. It is true, I have not seen anyone yet. I just arrived, I had a medical examination and I met some guys from Kunlun.
Yes, it’s cool to play hockey practically in Moscow, and even with foreign players. Who would have thought that living in my own country, I would end up in a foreign team? If someone had told me this before, I would not have believed it. It’s very unusual.
— On Monday, Kunlun played a friendly match with Ak Bars, where you could have been. But why didn’t it work?
— At first we had a dialogue, and it went in a positive way. From what I was told. There was a good dynamic. Even though I was recovering from an injury. But I would be ready for the playoffs.
After the season, we also talked, but apparently the dialogue didn’t work out. Or they didn’t want to see me at Ak Bars. They chose another route, without me. And the new coach came – maybe he had his say.
I don’t know what the details were. But my desire was great. In my heart I really hoped to be able to move to Ak Bars, especially since Kazan is my home, I have been living there for several years.
I was even ready to play for Ak Bars for free! Imagine. I talked with the Kazan players. They say: “Just take your hockey bag and throw it in our locker room, and it’s like you’re with us.” – “Yes, I would be happy, the conversation here is not about money at all. I can play for free at home.
— You need to go from one locker room to another in Mytishchi, and Ak Bars will pick you up on the road.
– Well, I’m not that arrogant. No, that’s it, I’ve signed a contract with Kunlun now. I’ve been undergoing medical examinations all day. I’m seriously preparing for the new season.
“I was told that I had to leave Neftekhimik by the administrator”
“Kunlun obviously didn’t give you a big contract.”
— I know myself that money is not the most important thing there, if we compare it with my other KHL clubs. To be honest, I don’t even know the details of my bonus contract. My representative was deciding something. I tell you, it’s not about money.
– And what?
— When negotiating with many KHL teams on the market, the conversation about money did not arouse anyone’s interest.
— Has the market for famous Russian hockey players collapsed this year?
– Yes, and you see it yourself. Well, what can I say about this? Apparently, many teams are waiting or looking for the best foreigners. Maybe new Hartikainen, Mortensson, Thoresen will come to us… Whereas before there was a limit of three foreign players per club, such problems did not exist. And now many Russian hockey players are left without a contract, and I can list the names for a long time.
— You scored 19 (8+11) points in 31 matches at Neftekhimik, and that is a good statistic. But why didn’t you renew your contract with your original club?
— I got injured there and didn’t play for a long time. Although I gained good momentum and the statistics were visible. Maybe we didn’t win enough matches. But it seemed like there was something good. Neftekhimik probably missed me in the fight for the playoffs. I’m sure I could be useful.
They didn’t even tell me why they weren’t leaving me. There must be reasons for that. But I learned that I wouldn’t stay in the team from the Neftekhimik administrator, who issues the form. He told me: “Hand in the form.” I had already planned to do it after the season. But after about three minutes, I realized: “Damn, it turns out they’re not going to leave me?”
Neither the head coach nor the team manager told me anything. Even though they saw me every day, we communicated and talked. But my future was not discussed. They asked: “How are you?” I did not skate, but I did rehabilitation, I developed a separate program and I was at the rink every day. But there was no talk of a new contract. It was only thanks to the administrator that I learned everything, it’s pie.
“I understand myself that I have too many injuries”
– Why do you have so many injuries? Not a single healthy season in recent years.
– Maybe it’s bad luck. There’s no way around it. At the same time, I wouldn’t want to deepen the injury I suffered in the previous team, before Nizhnekamsk. I could have gone earlier, but they did the operation wrong.
If I knew the answer to your question, I would never have an injury again! This is an inevitable part of the sport. And I admit that I have too many of them. I can’t finish the season normally, without some kind of pain. But in terms of dedication and attitude to work, there are no complaints against me. At least I have absolute confidence in myself here. I try very hard to get in shape, prepare, think about proper nutrition.
And then – bang, another injury. I went to my grandmothers and grandfathers and asked the Almighty for health. I believe in help from above. But injuries happen, and every time it’s a terrible mess.
— After many years, you found yourself in a North American club again. Maybe Kunlun is your chance to start over?
– Well, where should I restart at 30 o’clock? I have already played in many places and I am confident in myself. I do not know yet what style Kunlun will play under the new head coach Mikhail Kravets. I am ready for everything: active, passive, high, deep. I will adapt to everything.
I don’t even remember what we played with Kravets in Omsk, I only reached the playoffs there. But I repeat that it is unusual to play in a North American club in the Moscow region. This has not happened to me. I will soon understand how we will play. The main thing is that I am ready. Kunlun is a good option for me. I need to get into the hockey process faster. Uniforms, household items, all the little things. And move in a balanced manner, with concentration, into the new season. There are three weeks left until the start of the championship.
—Is Kravets’ role in your transition great?
“I didn’t have a conversation with him. My representative communicated only with the Kunlun management. And when we shook hands, I talked more with the medical unit, with the team manager and the one who issues the uniform. I don’t know if Kravets put pressure on me. I don’t have such information. But I know this coach and I will be happy to work with him again.
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I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
