Nail Yakupov suspended from KHL, pending investigation into his transfer

ZURICH – Nail Yakupov has been suspended from playing in the KHL while the International Ice Hockey Federation investigates his transfer to the Russian-based league.

The 18-year-old forward, who was picked first overall by the Edmonton Oilers earlier this year, has appeared in two games for his hometown Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik during the NHL lockout.

However, the IIHF says he appeared in those games without having an approved transfer card.

Hockey Canada refused to sign off on Yakupov’s transfer because his rights belonged to the Ontario Hockey League’s Sarnia Sting, where he spent the last two seasons.

The Oilers assigned him to the junior club on Sept. 15.

Phone calls to Yakupov’s agent, Igor Larionov, and Sting general manager, Jacques Beaulieu, weren’t immediately returned.