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.

 

[OilerTitanFan]

It is too bad people are generally fixated to the stats rather than gameplay. A random fan may look at his stats and says, holy, no goals, the oilers gave up a 4th for zero goals.

 

[BIeucheeseWithWings]

It is too bad people are generally fixated to the stats rather than gameplay. A random fan may look at his stats and says, holy, no goals, the oilers gave up a 4th for zero goals.

Norm Macdonald, is that you?

 

[guymez]

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

Its clear Van didnt trade him because he is lazy. That man is committed.

He is even impressing the leadership group with his work ethic. McDavid has menitoned how hard he works a few times now.
This is a player that you really want to see succeed.

 

[NotAVacuumSalesman]

Glowing words from Drai.

 

[Bryanbryoil]

Awesome to see him finally pot one. Hopefully he keeps up the hard work and we can have our own "home grown" Hyman.

 

[McBooya42]

Finally. Good for you Pods! That was a nice shot too.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

If only all young players put in the work he does. Lots of entitlement these days. You want something go and take it.

 

[Senor Catface]

Norm Macdonald, is that you?

You know, with OilerTitanFan, the more I learn about that guy, the more I don’t care for him

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

delete

 

[McFlyingV]

Podz has been great. He's an excellent top 9 piece that you can also plug in on the 4th line. His game is very adaptable throughout a lineup. He brings speed, physicality, toughness, defensive acumen, and the points are starting to come (6 in his last 15). For all the other stuff he brings I'd be very happy with 30-40P out of this player. His shot is better than his 1 goal shows. He's been ripping off some hard well placed shots recently, but for whatever reason, and as is the case with most of this team, opposing goalies are making a lot of good stops.

He's been a good Holloway replacement.

 

[TheNumber4]

Finally gets one. Happy to see it. He deserves it.

Hope he understands and appreciates what kind of opportunity he’s getting here. Morons like Pool never did.

 

[Oilhawks]

Big fan of this player as a Hyman-lite (with better defensive play?). Seems like a good dude / teammate and is a likeable player overall. Could really see him growing into this role. A rare scouting win and maybe some signs of the new scouting group having some chops.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Nice to see him get a goal but he's been setup a 100X. Yes he's physical, good puck retriever and a player that can have a role and be the worker ant on a line. In a 7-2 game this all looks great. So we're high on him today, and thats great. In a 3-2 loss where a topsix winger flubs 4 chances it isn't so great. Real tendency on the board just to prefer new players instead of ones we had.

Sure the kid works hard, puts in time after practice. Isn't that what one would expect from a pro on the crossroads? For players sometimes these start becoming the last beachheads. So they do a lot. So did Kostin, so did Puljujarvi. It may or may not be enough.

What were basically seeing from Podkolzin (and not every night) is some willingness. But its what we should be expecting. Still, I'd rather have a guy like this in the room than a floater like J Swimmer. Teams drown with the latter kind of players.

 

[FlameChampion]

Nice to see him get a goal but he's been setup a 100X. Yes he's physical, good puck retriever and a player that can have a role and be the worker ant on a line. In a 7-2 game this all looks great. So we're high on him today, and thats great. In a 3-2 loss where a topsix winger flubs 4 chances it isn't so great. Real tendency on the board just to prefer new players instead of ones we had.

Sure the kid works hard, puts in time after practice. Isn't that what one would expect from a pro on the crossroads? For players sometimes these start becoming the last beachheads. So they do a lot. So did Kostin, so did Puljujarvi. It may or may not be enough.

What were basically seeing from Podkolzin (and not every night) is some willingness. But its what we should be expecting. Still, I'd rather have a guy like this in the room than a floater like J Swimmer. Teams drown with the latter kind of players.

I think hes been a good addition. He probably shouldn’t be playing with Draisaitl but I think it says more about our “top 6” than Podkolzin. I think hes would still be effective even if he was in a bottom 6 player.

 

[Drivesaitl]

I think hes been a good addition. He probably shouldn’t be playing with Draisaitl but I think it says more about our “top 6” than Podkolzin. I think hes would still be effective even if he was in a bottom 6 player.

We'll see. It sure does look good on Drai that he has a willingness to audition pretty much any player. Its an aspect of him that should probably get better press here. Of course the press here kind of hate him so they wouldn't be bringing this line. But Drai is the kind superstar always saying nice things about teammates, linemates, cordial. He shows a lot of support and patience. Not all superstars are built this way. We got two of the better ones.

Just a side take and I said it a couple times in other thread but a Kapanen bring a lot of the same attributes albeit less speed but good forecheck, good cycle, etc, and to me he looks like a Drai player. But we've had worse with Drai than Podz and at least the playmaking portion of Podkolzin hasn't left him. He's making some good plays and reads.

Good on the team I guess to give him a big audition. Some players need that to get some game back. Not sure it pans out though.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

I think hes been a good addition. He probably shouldn’t be playing with Draisaitl but I think it says more about our “top 6” than Podkolzin. I think hes would still be effective even if he was in a bottom 6 player.

Having a dude like podz that is relentless getting the puck back is perfect for Drai. If he starts burying a bit more it will be a fantastic match.