Canucks Regret Completed Trade as Ex-1st-Round Pick Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension With Division Rival
Photo credit: NHL
A former Vancouver Canucks first-round pick has signed a multi-year extension on Tuesday morning with one of their division rivals, 13 months after being traded.
Last August, the Vancouver Canucks were in a bit of a difficult position with former first-round pick Vasily Podkolzin as his development was going as the organization was hoping.
With the Russian forward needing to be placed on waivers in order to be assigned to the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks, General Manager Patrik Allvin wanted to avoid losing him for nothing and opted to trade him to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Podkolzin's first season with the Oilers went quite well as the 24-year-old spent the entire year in the NHL, registering 24 points in 82 games and then took his game to a new level in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as he put up ten points in 22 contests, showing that the Vancouver Canucks made a mistake by trading him.
Former Vancouver Canucks first-rounder Vasily Podkolzin signs multi-year extension
In a social media post on Tuesday, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they've agreed to terms on a three-year extension beginning in 2026-27 worth $8.85 million US ($2.95 million AAV) with forward Vasily Podkolzin.
"PODZ‼️
The #Oilers have signed forward Vasily Podkolzin to a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $2.95 million." the Oilers said on X.
The #Oilers have signed forward Vasily Podkolzin to a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $2.95 million." the Oilers said on X.
According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN & The Athletic, Vasily Podkolzin's contract extension will include a $1 million US bonus per season, while the remaining $1.95 million is salary.
"Podkolzin extension will pay $1M signing bonus each year and $1.95M in salary each season: total $2.95M AAV per season." LeBrun said.
Edmonton Oilers radio colour commentator Bob Stauffer liked what he saw from Podkolzin last season and thinks he could add more offense in the coming years while remaining in a middle-six role for the club.
"Vasily had an impressive 1st season with the @EdmontonOilers
Respected by his teammates for his relentless work ethic.
Led Oilers in hits last season (211).
Middle-six forward who continues to work at his game and should add more offence in the future." Stauffer said.
Respected by his teammates for his relentless work ethic.
Led Oilers in hits last season (211).
Middle-six forward who continues to work at his game and should add more offence in the future." Stauffer said.
Podkolzin and the Edmonton Oilers will take on the Vancouver Canucks early on in the 2025-26 season as they're set to battle on the first Hockey Night in Canada of the year on Saturday, October 11th at 7 p.m. PT.
