Home / Sports / Oilers' Podkolzin: From Reserve to Rising Star
Oilers' Podkolzin: From Reserve to Rising Star
10 Apr
Summary
- Vasily Podkolzin has 19 goals and 39 points in 79 games this season.
- His role and ice time grew significantly throughout the 2025-26 season.
- Podkolzin's new contract has a favorable $2.95 million cap hit for three seasons.
Vasily Podkolzin has become an integral part of the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup contention window. This season, he recorded 19 goals and 39 points across 79 games, showcasing a significant rise in his role and ice time.
Podkolzin began the 2025-26 season on the fourth line but saw his responsibilities grow, earning significant ice time on the team's top two lines. His contributions to goal share have been a key factor in this elevation.
His physical presence and playoff-style game are considered valuable assets for the Oilers. With a new contract, Podkolzin offers considerable value at a $2.95 million cap hit over the next three seasons, providing a cost-effective solution for the team.
The Oilers acquired Podkolzin in the summer of 2024, and his development has proven to be a shrewd move by general manager Stan Bowman, addressing a significant need for the team at left wing.
