Prospect Info: 10th overall: Vancouver selects Vasili Podkolzin (RW, SKA St. Petersburg)

[Canadian Canuck]

When the world juniors showcase was in Kamloops, I had mentioned I had a lengthy conversation with Ron Delorme. The game I watched when I talked to him was US-Russia, and he raved about Hughes and for Russia Poldkozin. Not saying he had anything to do with the pick but he said he watched him a ton and loved his two way play and skill.

 

[settinguptheplay]

I was concerned about his lack of production but the fact he played in so many leagues and tourny's last year it is not all that surprising. Here is a little write up that dives into his production a bit. Puts my mind at ease. I am actually pretty stoked with this pick. If he hits he will be a wrecking ball.

Prospect Deep Dive: Vasili Podkolzin

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

I like the pick.

Honestly never thought they'd have the balls to draft him.

 

[settinguptheplay]

I guess I should be happy we didn’t pick a defenseman, but really wanted Zegras. Thank you meaningless wins at the end of the season.

No kidding. Too bad we won that game in October as well. And November... And that win in February was the real killer.

 

[Seattle Totems]

This seems like a massive risk at a point where there were similar-upside players who were much less less risky on the board.

Thank you for being the 1st to say it.

Way too much risk here for my liking. I dont like drafting players under contract to the KHL. If he develops really well his rich KHL club will probably sign him to a contract that the Canucks cant match. If he doesnt improve he tells the Canucks its NHL or Russia.

I would've taken Boldy and called it a day.

 

[Canadian Canuck]

Thank you for being the 1st to say it.

Way too much risk here for my liking. I dont like drafting players under contract to the KHL. If he develops really well his rich KHL club will probably sign him to a contract that the Canucks cant match. If he doesnt improve he tells the Canucks its NHL or Russia.

I would've taken Boldy and called it a day.

Poldkozin will be a top 6 guy, so much skill and such a buzzsaw. It’s an amazing pick. Take it from someone who’s seen him live 6-7 times

 

[CanaFan]

Thank you for being the 1st to say it.

Way too much risk here for my liking. I dont like drafting players under contract to the KHL. If he develops really well his rich KHL club will probably sign him to a contract that the Canucks cant match. If he doesnt improve he tells the Canucks its NHL or Russia.

I would've taken Boldy and called it a day.

I would’ve preferred Boldy too but it’s not a big gap for me. And there’s enough uncertainty around any 17/18 year old for it to not be that big a deal really. Still pales to Juolevi > Tkachuk.

 

[Quinning]

Can he come over for training camp?

 

[Canadian Canuck]

Can he come over for training camp?

I’m pretty sure he can don’t quote me on it though.

 

[jeromemorrow]

I like the pick at 10. Really depends on how much DD the Russian scouting staff did in terms of Russian state, provincial and municipal politics.

Honestly, if we put that aside, you have similar body physique between Kakko & Podkolzin & drive to the net... Finnish vs Russian top RWer.... Add in their willpower to overcome challenges such as meshing into the dressing room, losing & winning together.. It's a solid high ceiling pick. Every year, teams are upgrading; we have to follow suit. Kirby Dach going 3rd overall shows where teams are heading.... Speed & power.

More interested for tomorrow to see where Judd & co make their moolah. GO CANUCKS GO!!!! Give Petey more weapons!!!!

 

[hellstick]

Honestly, you gotta respect this pick by Benning. There's a chance that this player doesn't help Jimbo save his job. This is a pick made because Jim and our amateur scouts feel Podkozin is the best player available, and not to further any agendas.

There's a lot of risk here, but you gotta love the talent.

 

[Canucks1096]

I had Podkolzin ranked 8th, The first 7 was all taken already so I am happy with this pick.

 

[hellstick]

 

[Phenomenon13]

Solid pick

 

[Rowlet]

high risk, high reward. i prefer swinging for the fences with these kinds of picks, if they boom its like a top 3 pick

 

[Grub]

Haha the translation that the Russian scout did..

"Vasili hopes he will get stronger and will be more a Man."

 

[Quinning]

I’m going with Moscow Mule for this kid.

It’s his hometown to boot

 

[Love]

I’m going with Moscow Mule for this kid.

I like it

 

[thefutures]

Keeping up with updates for the past 12 hours, not sure how to feel about no transactions. Maybe sometimes its better to stick to what ya got just happy we kept the pick and went for upside. Yall have a safe and fun night.

 

[Love]

My wife asked me about the draft and I told her who the Canucks drafted and her response was "Vasili. That sounds like a bacteria."

 

[settinguptheplay]

My wife asked me about the draft and I told her who the Canucks drafted and her response was "Vasili. That sounds like a bacteria."

Tell her to rub a little Horvat on it. The results will be amazing.

 

[I am toxic]

I like this pick because of the KHL. He'll have a chance to play against men at a higher level than the AHL, IMO.

And he wont have to develop in Utica - great fans, lousy development.

Hopefully we have a coach that has learned how to get the most out of Russians by the time they arrive.

 

[sting101]

Yes, June birthday. Turns 18 in 3 days.

Not sure if IQ is quite the issue, more vision and a tendency to try to do too much himself. Can make some very smart plays at times, but tends to play a pretty simple, direct game. Skate puck fast and hard to net 9 times out of 10. Occasionally flash something different. Maybe lack of chemistry and familiarity with teammates having played on so many teams though. Hard to get a read on if those are real issues or not.

has the highest pass completeion rate of the draft.

 

[Frankie Blueberries]

Don't know much about him but I like the pick.
From what I've heard - high potential, good two-way, could be a power-forward, competes hard, and isn't scared to get physical. Definitely a logical pick for 10th overall - wonder which scout(s) made a big push for him?

Does he play both LW/RW or mainly just RW (RW was listed at the draft)?

 

[HankNDank]

I’m pretty sure he can don’t quote me on it though.

Ok.


Wait, too late! Sorry bro...