Yakupov is now 31 years old and playing in the KHL back in Russia as he has been since the 2018-19 season. Scott gave Yakupov the opportunity to set the record straight on his career and Yakupov took full advantage of it. NHL players all respond differently to the pressure, some thrive on it, some wilt under it. Says in Canada hockey is more detail oriented, whereas in Russia hockey is more generalizedThis could explain why Canada routinely beats the Russians in international tournaments, am I right? He said in Russia hockey isn't as big so he gets to live more of a life as well as play hockey so that appeals to him.