The Edmonton Oilers will look different up front when the puck drops on the 2025-26 season. With several veterans leaving the roster, a younger forward may be stepping into a much larger role. Many around the league believe Vasily Podkolzin is the player most likely to benefit from Evander Kane’s departure.
Opportunity Knocks for Oilers’ Young Wingers This Season
Kane isn’t the only name gone. Connor Brown, Corey Perry, Viktor Arvidsson, and Jeff Skinner also moved on this summer, clearing out minutes on the wing. For Podkolzin, who came over quietly from Vancouver in an August 2024 trade, it’s a prime opportunity to prove he belongs in Edmonton’s long-term plans.
🔁 TRADE 🔁
The #Oilers have acquired forward Vasily Podkolzin from Vancouver in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick that was originally acquired from Ottawa.#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/kS8aHMDpOl
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 18, 2024
Last year, the Russian winger played all 82 regular-season games plus every playoff contest, showing durability and consistency in his first full year as an Oiler. He finished with 24 points at even strength while often skating in the bottom six.
His speed and physical edge stood out, with league tracking data putting him among the NHL’s best in short-burst speed and shot power.
Edmonton goal!
Scored by Vasily Podkolzin with 07:21 remaining in the 2nd period.
Assisted by Darnell Nurse and Connor McDavid.
Edmonton: 2
St. Louis: 1#STLvsEDM #LetsGoOilers #stlblues pic.twitter.com/MhyrwPgQiG— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) April 10, 2025
Podkolzin has mentioned he studies Zach Hyman’s game closely, hoping to adopt a similar two-way approach. Even a portion of Hyman’s offensive impact would be a major boost for Edmonton.
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At 24, Podkolzin already has valuable playoff experience. He chipped in three goals and 10 points during Edmonton’s run, despite averaging just over 11 minutes a night. That efficiency has fueled optimism among coaches and analysts who see more upside if his role expands.
Why Trading Podkolzin Would Be Risky
Some, including Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, have speculated that Podkolzin could be used as trade bait. But others argue that moving him would be a mistake.
His contract carries just a $1 million cap hit this year, and he has shown he can complement stars such as Leon Draisaitl at even strength. He also compared well to several veterans who have since exited the team.
In today’s cap era, value players are critical. Podkolzin checks that box, offering checking ability, penalty-kill minutes, and the chance for more offense. Losing that mix while younger prospects are still developing would be a gamble.
For a team with Stanley Cup ambitions, having a cost-effective winger who can handle different roles is exactly the kind of depth the Oilers need.
