Blues GM: Yakupov a 'worthwhile gamble' despite string of scratches

Doug Armstrong does not have buyer's remorse.

After the St. Louis Blues general manager acquired 2012 first overall pick Nail Yakupov at a bargain-basement cost - prospect Zach Pochiro and a conditional third-round pick went to Edmonton - Armstrong remains hopeful the young forward can be a positive contributor, despite not cracking the lineup in seven of the past 12 games.

"We felt it was a worthwhile gamble," Armstrong told Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

"I have a lot of confidence in Yak that he’s going to keep his nose to the grindstone and when he gets his opportunity, he’s just got to make the most of it. We look at it from how our team is doing, not how each individual player is doing, and our team is doing well. He’s part of our team."

Yakupov recorded four points in his first six games with the Blues, but managed just one assist in the following ten games while seeing diminished ice time.

Fellow Russian Vladimir Tarasenko praised Yakupov's attitude, noting his playfulness - despite the scratches - as evidenced by Yakupov carrying his teammates' helmets after losing a bet during practice.

"He tries to work hard in practice and he helps other guys," Tarasenko said. "When people don’t play, they give really good boost to us when they don’t react selfishly and they support us all the time. He’s a really good player, and same as I believe in our team success, I believe in his success."

For his part, Yakupov is trying to keep a level head, while staying ready to play.

"I’m trying to be the good teammate, but I’m not trying to create something and be like a clown in the locker room," he said.

"I’m obviously working hard, just waiting for my chance, that’s all I can do. I’m not trying to do something crazy and show coaches how good I am. They already know who I am as a person, who I am as a player."