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Completed Trade with the Edmonton Oilers Proving to be a Major Mistake For the Vancouver Canucks
Photo credit: Markerzone
The Edmonton Oilers are receiving outstanding contributions, and perhaps even exceeding expectations, from Vasily Podkolzin.
Before the 2024-25 season, the Edmonton Oilers traded with the Vancouver Canucks to acquire Russian forward Vasily Podkolzin. He's proven to be a valuable and effective addition who brings a unique element to the Oilers' lineup, and we're seeing it in the playoffs.
Former Canucks forward Vasily Podkolzin finding his stride during postseason run with the Oilers.
Colton Pankiw from DH Sports writes that although Vasily Podkolzin's offensive output, eight goals and 24 points over 82 games, fell short of expectations, he made up for it with his physical presence. He led the Oilers with 211 hits, a total that placed him just outside the NHL's top 20.
"Playing such a physical style throughout the course of an 82-game season can be taxing, but it hasn't appeared to affect Podkolzin. The 23-year-old has continued to throw his weight around in the playoffs, with his 34 hits tied for seventh in the league." -Pankiw
Noah Strang also reported that Podkolzin has a history of stepping up in the playoffs throughout his career.
Vasily Podkolzin has a track record of stepping up in the playoffs.
He scored 5 goals and 11 points in 35 KHL games in 20-21.
He added another 6 goals and 11 points in just 16 playoff games that year.
He seems to be doing it again this spring.
He scored 5 goals and 11 points in 35 KHL games in 20-21.
He added another 6 goals and 11 points in just 16 playoff games that year.
He seems to be doing it again this spring.
Selected 10th overall in the 2019 draft by the Canucks, Podkolzin hasn't seen heavy usage in the playoffs, averaging under 10 minutes of ice time per game. Despite the limited role, he's managed to contribute with four assists in seven games.
"Suddenly, a player who was viewed as somewhat of a castoff from the Canucks has turned into a valuable piece for a Stanley Cup contender. It's been quite a find by Oilers management, who only gave up a fourth-round pick to acquire him." -Pankiw
While the Oilers still have work to do to return to the Stanley Cup Final for a second consecutive year, they look like strong contenders - and Podkolzin's contributions in a bottom-six role have been a key part of their success so far.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
MAI 9 | 1235 ANSWERS Completed Trade with the Edmonton Oilers Proving to be a Major Mistake For the Vancouver Canucks Do you think the Canucks will regret trading away Vasily Podkolzin? | ||
| yes | 752 | 60.9 % |
| no | 483 | 39.1 % |
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