Oilers' Yakupov credits Roy for helping develop game; 'I was scared of him'

If the Edmonton Oilers did anything right last season, it was pairing young Nail Yakupov with veteran Derek Roy.

The 21-year-old Yakupov enjoyed one of the most productive stretches of his career after Roy joined the team in late December, and he credits the center for helping him grow as a player, and infusing him with a renewed love for the game.

But at first, Yakupov said, Roy put healthy measure of fear in him.

"The first five or six games with Derek I was scared of him," Yakupov told Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. "He would be yelling or swearing at me, but it was worth it. Sometimes you're trying to be everywhere on the ice, but you have to be in your spot and listen to the center.

"Especially a guy like Derek, who has played in the league for 10 years. He’s seen everything in the game. He could help a young kid like me. Soon as Derek got the puck, I was trying to get open for a shot. He gave me so much support and I was happy to be playing hockey again."

Yakupov, however, will have to grow accustomed to playing with new linemates in 2015-16. The Oilers decided not to re-sign Roy after being awarded the first overall pick in the draft and adding Connor McDavid to their center ranks.

Entering his fourth NHL season, Yakupov will be looking to eclipse the career-high 33 points he recorded last season, with an eye on the 17-goal mark he achieved as a rookie.