As a general manager, it’s crucial to make the right draft picks. In 2012, Brian Burke was the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Before the draft, Toronto held a meeting with top prospect Nail Yakupov. But Burke passed on him. The reason? Yakupov gave Burke the worst draft interview he had ever experienced.
Brian Burke has spent more than five decades in professional hockey in different roles with several NHL franchises. It’s safe to say Burke has seen and met his fair share of hockey egos. But one player stands out: Nail Yakupov.
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Brian Burke interviewed Nail Yakupov
Before becoming known as one of the biggest draft busts in modern NHL history, Yakupov dominated the OHL with the Sarnia Sting. During the 2010–11 season, Yakupov recorded 49 goals and 52 assists in 65 games. The following season, the winger scored 69 points in 42 games.
Heading into the 2012 NHL Draft, Yakupov was considered the top prospect and was expected to be selected first overall. The Toronto Maple Leafs held the fifth overall pick, and they sat down with Yakupov for an interview.
Something apparently didn’t sit well with Yakupov, as he was expecting to go first overall.
”Terrible”
Speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast in 2020, Brian Burke, who was the Maple Leafs’ general manager at the time, called it the worst draft interview he had ever had.
”The worst draft interview I’ve ever had in my life. Terrible. He was defiant, obnoxious, and sullen. John Lilley (Leafs amateur scout) almost fought him in the interview. It was not a good interview,” Burke said on the podcast.
Instead, Brian Burke and the Maple Leafs selected Morgan Rielly with the fifth overall pick. Rielly became a cornerstone of the modern Maple Leafs and has served as an alternate captain for the team for ten seasons. During that time, he has played 951 games and recorded 549 points.
Nail Yakupov was selected first overall, only to become known as one of the biggest draft busts in NHL history. In six NHL seasons with the Oilers, Blues, and Avalanche, Yakupov recorded 136 points in 350 games. Since 2018, he has been playing in the KHL.
You can watch Brian Burke share the story below.
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