Edmonton Oilers Extend Depth Winger for Three Years

Podkolzin’s Career

Podkolzin was initially drafted tenth overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. In 137 games as a Canuck, Podkolzin scored 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points. He’s still only 24, so this is a safe bet for the Oilers. It’s a sign of faith in a player who needed a bit of confidence after his transition from British Columbia. His time in Vancouver left something to be desired.

Edmonton traded for Podkolzin after the offer sheets for Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg came through. Determining that Podkolzin could be an adequate replacement for Holloway, the Oilers gave the Canucks a fourth-round pick in exchange for the Russian winger. Now, the Oilers will be hoping Podkolzin can grow into what he was projected to be as an NHLer. He’s still young enough to grow, and with the star power the Oilers possess, he’ll have talent with him. This contract also makes him more tradeable if the worst should happen.

The Contract Details

According to Pierre LeBrun, Podkolzin will receive a $1 million signing bonus each season. He’ll earn $1.95 million in salary, resulting in a $2.95 million cap hit. This contract will keep him in Edmonton until he is 28. It means they will be buying up a year of unrestricted free agency. However, since he’s too young to be a restricted free agent currently, he’ll have no trade protection.

Edmonton has undergone a transformation on the wings this summer, and Podkolzin will play a significant role now. With Evander Kane, Viktor Arvidsson, Corey Perry, and Jeff Skinner gone, and Zach Hyman injured, he’ll get more of a chance with the top talent. It’s going to be his first look at a genuine NHL top-six role. He was predominantly used in a bottom-six role last season. If the Russian can take advantage of the new reality, this could be an excellent contract for the Oilers.

With uncertainty still around many members of the Oilers, this settles one thing. It’s not a painkiller for the rumour headache Oilers fans are enduring. However, it is a little stability in the stormy seas of rumours. There will be more pressing matters for general manager Stan Bowman to get to in the coming weeks and months. However, it helps the fans understand what the future holds, and how the organization might operate going forward.