Sad News: Canucks in a High-Risk Trade Release the 23-year-old Rising Star Player as He Told Team He Wants to Leave Due to…
The Edmonton Oilers have officially acquired 23-year-old forward Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks in a low-risk trade, sparking excitement among fans and analysts alike. The Oilers sent a fourth-round draft pick to Vancouver in exchange for Podkolzin, a move that could potentially be a game-changer for Edmonton.
Podkolzin, who was drafted 10th overall just five years ago, has struggled to find consistent scoring in the NHL over the last two seasons. Despite his challenges, many believe the Oilers have made a smart investment, capitalizing on his untapped potential. Oilers writer Jim Matheson compared the trade to the acquisition of Klim Kostin back in 2022, another big-bodied Russian forward who turned his fortunes around with Edmonton.
Much like Kostin, who quickly became a fan favorite with his physical play and timely goals, Podkolzin could also thrive in a similar role on a team aiming for a deep playoff run. Kostin’s lone season with the Oilers endeared him to the fanbase, and Podkolzin now has a similar opportunity to make an impact.
Podkolzin has shown flashes of brilliance early in his career. In the 2021-22 season, he notched 14 goals and 26 points in 79 games with the Canucks. However, since then, he’s struggled, scoring just four goals in his last 58 games. Despite this, Podkolzin’s offensive numbers are still more promising than Kostin’s prior to his arrival in Edmonton.
The Oilers have secured Podkolzin on a team-friendly two-year contract worth $1 million annually, making this acquisition even more appealing. The trade is low-risk in terms of both assets and salary, with the potential for a high reward. Podkolzin doesn’t need to be a top scorer but can bring physicality, energy to the bottom six, and chip in with some key goals—traits that could make him invaluable to the Oilers’ roster.
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Part of what made Kostin so beloved by Oilers fans was his embrace of the city and the team, a bond that continues even after his departure. If Podkolzin can find his footing in Edmonton, there’s hope that he will develop the same passion for a franchise that was once his rival, helping him bounce back and contribute to a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
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