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Nail Yakupov insists his goal is to play in the National Hockey League. The talented 18-year-old forward also understands why some NHL general managers remain skeptical. The rise of the Kontinental Hockey League in Yakupov’s native Russia gives the NHL some serious competition for the top Eastern European players. The last Russian to go No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft was Alexander Ovechkin in 2004. Yakupov is one of three players with Russian ties that could go in the top five when the draft begins today ( 4 p.m. on NBC Sports). The Edmonton Oilers have the top overall pick for the third straight year. – AP