TRANSFER NEWS: Edmonton Oilers Sign’s Top Left Wing Sensation From Vancouver Canucks.
The Edmonton Oilers recently made a minor trade to acquire Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks, and one analyst believes it could be a major success.
Podkolzin, who was a 10th overall pick just five years ago, has had difficulty scoring over the past two seasons. The Oilers took a chance on him by sending only a fourth-round draft pick in return. Oilers writer Jim Matheson likened this trade to the one that brought popular player Klim Kostin to Edmonton.
Early in his career with the Canucks, Podkolzin had some success and performed well in the AHL in recent years. During the 2021-22 season, he scored 14 goals and 26 points in 79 games with the Canucks. However, he has struggled recently, managing only 4 goals in his last 58 games. Despite this, his offensive history still surpasses that of Kostin. The Oilers have Podkolzin under a favorable two-year contract at $1 million per year.
Given the low cost and minimal risk of this trade, it has the potential to be very beneficial for Edmonton. Podkolzin doesn’t need to be a top scorer; if he can contribute with hits, energy, and occasional goals, this trade could be a significant win for the team.
Fans embraced Kostin for his enthusiasm and connection with Edmonton, and there’s hope that Podkolzin will similarly grow to appreciate his new team and find success this season.
