[citation needed] After his first season in the Kontinental Hockey League with Neftekhimik, Yakimov was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on 5 August 2014.

[3] On 28 July 2016, Yakimov was loaned by the Oilers to return for a third stint with HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk of the KHL for the 2016–17 season.

[citation needed] Unsigned from the Oilers, but his rights retained by the club, Yakimov opted to continue in the KHL with Nizhnekamsk.

[6] On 1 May 2020, with one year remaining under contract, Yakimov was traded by Severstal to perennial contending club, SKA Saint Petersburg, in exchange for financial compensation.

[7] Yakimov made 6 appearances with SKA before he was traded to HC Sochi in exchange for Daniil Ogirchuk and Pavel Kukshtel on 23 December 2020.