I see this trade working for both sides for a couple of reasons. A lot of why this may work is that it is an exchange of former 1st rounders which means both clubs can save a little face by not just taking a lower pick than the pick expended on the player.

First, the Sharks have other defensive prospects. While Mueller was a high draft pick for the Sharks (18th), he has not really developed according to plan. At age 21, there is still hope that he can develop nicely; however, the rumblings I have heard (and correct me if I am wrong) is that he has never been able to regain his confidence. He plays sort of lost out on the ice and he may never be more than a 3/4 guy for the Sharks. That said, it sounds like we have other people at his age and talent level that are developing better and can satisfy the needs of the team.

As far as Yakupov goes, his value is apparently "bargain basement" variety. Some people report that a low 2nd or 3rd round pick could have him. Other reports are saying that the Oilers may be willing to take back someone else's failed prospect. As a team that needs Defense, taking a flyer on a guy who could develop into a good two-way d-man is appealing. It is a guy who is a little more mature and can come in and hit his peak years along the same timeline of their young crop of forwards.

The appeal for the Sharks in Yakupov is a guy with speed who can shoot the puck and has a high talent ceiling that is not being achieved. Unless he turns out to be the Alexander Semin type (tons of skill but cannot give a damn to try), he may just need a change of scenery for things to work out. I would be less concerned with his god awful plus minus as he was playing bottom 9 minutes on a team devoid of defensive capability. I think he is capable of learning a two-way game or at least not being an absolute liability. He could be a good guy to potentially pair up with Donskoi and Couture as all three have speed and hands. Yakupov may once again find his elite finishing ability when put on the line with the two of them.



To me, the price would be right and its a gamble that could pay off very nicely. At $2.5M for a cap hit, he is not a cap buster either as the Sharks look to complete out their roster for 2016-17.