Oilers Land Vasily Podkolzin in Trade with Canucks
In a significant move to bolster their roster, the Edmonton Oilers have acquired forward Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks. This transaction sees the Oilers send a 2025 fourth-round pick, previously obtained from the Ottawa Senators, to Vancouver in exchange for the dynamic young forward.
Vasily Podkolzin, the No. 10 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, brings potential and versatility to an Oilers squad navigating a tumultuous offseason marked by salary cap constraints and roster uncertainty. The 22-year-old Russian forward is set to earn $1 million annually over the next two years, a manageable figure given Edmonton's current financial situation.
However, the Oilers' front office faces pressing deadlines, as both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway have received significant offer sheets from the St. Louis Blues. Broberg and Holloway, essential pieces of Edmonton's young core, have yet to solidify their futures with the franchise. Broberg received a two-year offer sheet worth $4.58 million annually, while Holloway's offer stands at $2.29 million annually over the same period. Per the NHL collective bargaining agreement's section 10.3, Edmonton must decide by Tuesday whether to match these offers or risk losing both players to St. Louis.
Should the Oilers elect not to match the terms proposed by the Blues, they will receive a second-round pick in compensation for Broberg and a third-round pick for Holloway, a situation that could further complicate the team’s cap conundrum. Currently, the Oilers find themselves more than $350,000 over the cap, making the management's decisions in the coming days critical to their plans for the next season.
Podkolzin’s potential is undeniable. Last season, he notched two points in 19 games with the Canucks and impressed with 15 goals and 28 points over 44 games with Vancouver’s AHL affiliate. In 137 career NHL games, Podkolzin has accumulated 18 goals and 35 points, showcasing his knack for finding the net and contributing offensively. This addition could be the spark that Edmonton needs to enhance their forward depth, especially given their recent high-stakes playoff performance.
The Oilers have not been idle this offseason. Alongside Podkolzin, the team has added forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner, as well as defenseman Josh Brown. Moreover, they have retained key veterans like Connor Brown, Adam Henrique, Mattias Janmark, and Corey Perry, reinforcing a roster blend of youth and experience. The re-signing of defenseman Troy Stetcher bolsters Edmonton's blue line, providing stability and grit.
Despite their proactive approach, the Oilers are still reeling from a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. This core-shaking defeat has undoubtedly fueled their offseason strategy, aiming to construct a formidable lineup capable of finally clinching the coveted title. The addition of Podkolzin, along with their other signings and re-signings, signals a clear intention to compete at the highest level once again.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues find themselves in a favorable position, with over $7 million in cap space. This flexibility has allowed them to extend the lucrative offer sheets to Broberg and Holloway, putting pressure on the Oilers to make some tough decisions. The outcome of these negotiations will play a critical role in shaping both teams’ rosters and competitive outlooks for the upcoming season.
As the Oilers navigate these multifaceted challenges and weigh their options regarding Broberg and Holloway, all eyes will be on Edmonton’s management. The next few days will be pivotal in determining the Oilers' trajectory for the next NHL season, a season that holds the promise of redemption and the realization of long-term aspirations.