Yakupov headed back to Russia

Former first-overall NHL draft pick Nail Yakupov is returning to Russia to play in the Kontinental Hockey League.

In 2012 Yakupov became the third of three consecutive No 1 overall selections by Edmonton and spent four seasons with the Oilers and one year with the St. Louis Blues before playing 58 games for the Colorado Avalanche last season, registering nine goals and 16 points.

He signed a one-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL on Tuesday, according to the league’s Twitter feed.