The Edmonton Oilers made a significant move on August 18, 2024, acquiring forward Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks. In exchange, the Oilers offered a fourth-round draft pick that they had obtained from the Ottawa Senators for the 2025 draft. This trade is beginning to show positive outcomes as Podkolzin, a 23-year-old former top-10 pick, finds his rhythm with the team.
Podkolzin’s Performance with the Oilers
Since joining the Oilers, Podkolzin has played 116 games, accumulating 38 points. This season alone, he has recorded 16 points, including five in his last five games. While this may not rival Connor McDavid’s recent streak of 20 points in seven games, it aligns well with the expectations the Oilers have for Podkolzin.
Finding His Place on the Team
Podkolzin is increasingly fitting into the Oilers’ second line alongside Leon Draisaitl. The 6’1”, 190 lb Russian winger is starting to enhance his finishing skills, moving beyond just physical play. His current contract, valued at $1 million this season and $2.95 million annually for the next three years, adds to the value of his acquisition.
Work Ethic and Team Contribution
- Podkolzin is known for his strong work ethic, being the first to arrive and the last to leave the ice.
- He is considered coachable and a quick learner, essential traits that endear him to the organization.
- With 102 hits, Podkolzin leads the team in this statistic, showcasing his effectiveness in play.
- His willingness to provide honest assessments of the team’s performance demonstrates his transparency and commitment.
As Podkolzin continues to develop, there is potential for him to become a reliable goal scorer for the Oilers, with forecasts of 15-20 goals per season. If he meets this goal, the Oilers will undoubtedly feel they struck gold with this trade.
