OILERS PICK-UP PODKOLZIN
The Edmonton Oilers acquired forward Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round draft pick in 2025.
What does it give the Edmonton Oilers
There are many layers to this trade for the Oilers. Podkolzin is a former top-10 draft pick (2019) who never established himself with the Canucks. He never built on his rookie season of 14 goals. This trade comes at a time when the Oilers are still deciding on matching an offer sheet for Dylan Holloway. If the Oilers do not match, Podkolzin could be his direct replacement. The problem is Holloway seems to have more top-six forward potential than Podkolzin.
What does it give the Vancouver Canucks
From a Canucks perspective, this trade is a lot more straight forward (if a bit puzzling). Podkolzin had plateaued in Vancouver. He never seemed to fit in Rick Tocchet's system and it did not help that he was not drafted by the current front office. With his odds minimal of making the opening-night lineup, the Canucks gave him a fresh start while clearing some salary and recouping a draft pick in return. That said, it is mystifying that they made a deal with the Oilers.
Fantasy impact
If Podkolzin can crack a deep Oilers roster, he will have an uphill battle to play with the superstars in the Oilers lineup. He will only become valuable in fantasy hockey if can rediscover his goal-scoring ability. It is highly unlikely that he will skate with either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Pass.
