Confirmed with Link: [EDM/VAN] Oilers acquire Vasily Podkolzin for OTT 4th '25

[Spawn]

He scored 14 goals in his rookie season. He should get that once they start going in. Looks who he's playing with!

And has 4 in his last 78 NHL games across three seasons since. He's spent more than 1/2 this season so far in the top 6. He needs to start scoring some goals if he's going to play every night with Drai/McDavid (or both). He creates chaos really well with his forecheck. He seems to have negative puck skill though.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Dude needs to pot one and I think they will come after that but it looks like he has a fan in McDavid:

On Podkolzin:

“Honestly, the numbers aren't showing it,” said McDavid. “I know he hasn't scored, and lots has been made of that. But he works so hard, keeps so many pucks alive, makes so many great little subtle plays that the media doesn't love to write about, but are so important to being a good linemate.”

His passing and puck retrievals is very good. Any player that helps get and keep the puck for McDavid and draisaitl will be good.

And has 4 in his last 78 NHL games across three seasons since. He's spent more than 1/2 this season so far in the top 6. He needs to start scoring some goals if he's going to play every night with Drai/McDavid (or both). He creates chaos really well with his forecheck. He seems to have negative puck skill though.

He’s very good at getting the puck back for his line, but needs to work on his play once he has the puck

 

[brentashton]

He’s in the top 6 because McDrai want him there. Hopefully he starts getting some goals.

While at one time I would have been ok with the CMcD seal of approval, he’s approved some real mutts of late.

I say let’s stop the insanity and let GMs GM, coaches coach and players focus on playing.

 

[guymez]

I don't think that the hands will come around unless he ends up being like Nichushkin. When I see him around the net he seems to frame his stick at weird angles.

Yeah he doesnt seem to think the game from an offense perspective however I have seen some signs that might be starting to change. If you watch him in the offensive zone when he has the puck on his stick he seems to have more moments where his decision making lends itself to offensive opportunities.

Once he gets a few goals (and some additional confidence) that will make even more of a difference.

I have to admit I am looking forward to watching more of Podkolzin especially if he continues to get time with McDavid becaue i actually think that he is a better match for McDavid than Draisaitl.

 

[Scrapin Ice]

Yeah he doesnt seem to think the game from an offense perspective however I have seen some signs that might be starting to change. If you watch him in the offensive zone when he has the puck on his stick he seems to have more moments where his decision making lends itself to offensive opportunities.

Once he gets a few goals (and some additional confidence) that will make even more of a difference.

I have to admit I am looking forward to watching more of Podkolzin especially if he continues to get time with McDavid becaue i actually think that he is a better match for McDavid than Draisaitl.

Maybe a little bit of fantasy...well not Shakira level mind you....but hope one day to see

Podko--Drais--Savoie

Thinking that Podko gets the biscuit and passes it to Drais coming off the right half boards as Savoie moves to the high slot and Podko goes to the net--where hopefully he learns to pick up the trash a bit.

 

[guymez]

Maybe a little bit of fantasy...well not Shakira level mind you....but hope one day to see

Podko--Drais--Savoie

Thinking that Podko gets the biscuit and passes it to Drais coming off the right half boards as Savoie moves to the high slot and Podko goes to the net--where hopefully he learns to pick up the trash a bit.

Podkolzin is a wonderfully cheap option in the top 6 right now.

Here's hoping that becomes a permanent option next year and beyond.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

Being frustrated with his "skill" level and lack of production is fair, but man does this kid work hard. You love to see it.